Chambersburg’s only open-air market will kick off its eighth season Saturday, May 21, with over 20 vendors offering local produce and artisan merchandise.

North Square Farmers Market will open its stands from 8 a.m. to noon at 50 N. Main St. Opening day festivities will include a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. and live music by Dan McCarthy and Don’t Look Down.

“Produce offered at North Square Farmers Market is harvested just hours before coming to you so it tends to be a lot fresher than what you’d buy in the store,” says Market Coordinator Julia Lehman. “Not only is the food fresher, but you strengthen the economic base of our community when you buy local. You’re basically buying from your neighbors.”

NSFM offers 100 percent local produce, local cheeses, breads, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, handmade soaps and body products, custom jewelry, purses, wallets and accessories. Prepared food vendors will have breakfast and lunch items available.

The Franklin County Library System will be present along with other community organizations.

Kids aged 4 -12 are encouraged to sign up for POP (Power Of Produce) Club. Members receive $2 in tokens per market visit to be used on fresh fruits and vegetables. Membership in POP Club is free.

The market is a project of the Chambersburg Downtown Business Council, a non-profit organization that supports the downtown community.

NSFM’s season, which runs Saturdays from May 21 to October 15, 8 a.m. to noon, will feature a greater number of vendors this year and Second Saturday Events each month. Free parking is available behind the market at the Franklin County Courthouse.

Learn more at www.facebook.com/North-Square-Farmers-Market and www.northsquarefarmersmarket.com.