March 29. Davidson Farmer’s Market officially opens for the spring April 7, with a series of events planned to celebrate 10 years of local food and community.

“As the Lake Norman and greater Charlotte area continues to grow, we at the market are so grateful for our vendors and supporters who continue to support the market and each other by choosing to come together week after week,” says Abby Wyatt, market manager.

The Cornelius resident said shopping local isn’t just about economics, “it’s about community.”

The season’s opening will be marked by a chef demonstration and samples by Craig Diehl, head chef at Hello, Sailor, using locally sourced ingredients available that week by market vendors. Live music will be provided by Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox.

Vendors include Barbee Farms, based in Concord. The market plans a fund-raising dinner on Sunday, June 3 on the Davidson Green as well as a strawberry shortcake celebration in May.

Nearly 40 vendors with a variety of produce, plants, meats, cheeses, baked goods, organic and specialty food items are available to market guests each week. The market is a local, growers-only market which means all items sold are grown and produced within 100 miles of Davidson by the vendor.

The market is open every Saturday through fall from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information about vendors, parking and market policies, please visit the Davidson Farmer’s Market website at http://www. davidsonfarmersmarket.org.