Even though it is wintertime, plans are already underway for the Birdsboro Farmers Market, which will be open for its fourth season beginning on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year, the outdoor market, which is presented by the Birdsboro Parks and Recreation Department, will be held on the third Saturday of the month from May through October at Main Bird Park, located at 226 N. Water St., Birdsboro.

Vendors are encouraged to begin the registration process by completing an application at http://www.facebook.com/BirdsboroFarmersMarket.

Local farmers selling produce, as well as crafters and artisans, are invited to take part. "(Items for sale) must be locally sourced. (For example), we have a honey vendor. He is a beekeeper and produces his own honey," explained board president Christen Thompson. "When it comes to crafts, it has to be handmade and produced by (the vendor). They must produce what they sell." She added that home-based business vendors are not permitted.

Those who shop at the market generally will find a variety of plants, flowers, canned and pickled goods, homemade baked goods and bread, tea and coffee, pet products, jewelry, jams and jellies, wine and more. Several local farms offer fresh fruits and vegetables.

Community organizations and church groups are also represented, and there are generally local food trucks on hand as well. The market sometimes features live musical entertainment, and craft activities are offered for children.

Thompson said it is never too early to start planning for the market's opening. "People start asking me (about the market) in November. A lot of vendors do multiple markets," she noted. "We announce in January what we are doing, and we post an application. A lot of (farmers) plan their season. They also plan what they are going to grow this time of year and start ordering seeds."

Thompson would like to see old vendors return to the market as well as new vendors looking for a new venue to sell their products. "Our ultimate goal is to have enough selection (for shoppers). We really want to bring in the vendors this year," she stated.