IRONTON — The annual Lawrence County Farmer’s Market will officially open for the season at 7:30 a.m. Friday on the empty lot on South Second Street near its intersection with Vernon Street.

Lawrence County Farmer’s Association member Judy Balmer said usually the market is open on Saturday but is being moved ahead one day because of the July 4 holiday. After this week, the market will be on Saturdays each week. Balmer said farmers are already harvesting such crops as beets, green beans, cucumbers, rhubarb, and squash.

The annual event gives area farmers a weekly showcase for their produce and gives area shoppers a local alternative for finding quality fruits and vegetables.

“You know where it’s been and it’s all good, natural food,” Balmer said.

The Farmer’s Market will operate this Friday and each Saturday afterward until the produce is sold. The market typically ceases in October.