The downtown farmers market has been awarded a grant that will enable the use of debit and Electronic Benefit Transfer cards for purchasing fresh produce. The market is opening Saturday with not only vendors, but also live music, a nutritional information booth and face painting.

Downtown Renaissance Director Emily Boggess said the farmers market, which is in its third year of operation, received a grant from the Kentucky Farmers Market Association that provided for the purchase of a debit and EBT card terminal. The equipment costs around $1,100.

However, Boggess said she is still awaiting the arrival of the terminal, so it may be not set up by Saturday’s opening.

“That’s what we’re waiting for,” Boggess said.

The grant also provided advertising money, free tokens and signs. The debit and EBT card terminal is part of a pilot program that Hopkinsville was picked for in addition to four other communities.

“We’re going to help them work out the kinks,” Boggess said.

Also this year is the possibility of United States Department of Agriculture food vouchers that can be used at the downtown market. Boggess was in meeting on Tuesday to hash out the details, but she said the agency would be providing $24 farmers market vouchers to senior citizens that are eligible for commodities.

On opening day Saturday, four new vendors will be making an appearance. Boggess said last year the market had five or six regular vendors. She expects the number of vendors and variety of produce to pick up as the growing season continues. She said flowers, lettuce, onions and strawberries will be the main offerings this weekend.

The opening day is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The band Southern Dirt will be performing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Christian County Health Department will have a booth providing nutrition and physical activity information. Face painting will also be provided for children.

The downtown farmers market will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The Bradford Square mall farmers market, which is sponsored by the Kentucky Farm Bureau, is slated to open June 6.

QuickInfo: Fresh market update

Check out the Kentucky New Era Living pages every Wednesday to find out what’s for sale at Hopkinsville farmers markets and tips and recipes on preparing tasty dishes with locally grown produce.