WEST POINT, Miss. -- There is always a crowd each week at the West Point Farmers Market as shoppers gather to purchase fresh, local produce and goods from neighbors and area farmers.

The West Point Farmers Market is held each Thursday in June and July from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Mossy Oak Outlet on Highway 45 Alternate. Vendors set up their wares under the pavilion, with overflow space available in a grassy area under nearby trees.

The MSU Extension Service received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Marketing Service to promote local foods. The Extension Center for Government and Community Development is administering the From Gravel Roads to City Streets grant as part of the statewide MSU Extension Growing Your Brand effort. Grant funds were used to help farmers markets in Itawamba, Lowndes, Clay, Noxubee and Monroe counties.

The West Point Farmers Market used the funds to promote its existing market.

Lisa Klutts, market director, said 20 to 25 vendors offer goods for sale each week. She urged shoppers to come as early as possible to get the best selection of vegetables, homemade cookies, breads, fried pies, jams, jellies, relishes, and some arts and crafts.

“We have a great crowd every week looking for fresh fruits and vegetables that are home grown locally,” Klutts said. “We have a large following from the retired community and those, like teachers, who do not work in the summer months.”

Vendors pay $5 per market or $50 for the season to reserve the same spot for each event. Call the Growth Alliance at 662-494-5121 or email Klutts at [email protected] for more information.

“Our farmers market brings a lot of people together to shop and visit and support local, home-owned businesses,” Klutts said. “It also gives the community an opportunity to buy fresh produce they may not otherwise get.”