Lawrence, MA  - The Lawrence Farmers' Market will open for the 2008 season on Wednesday, July 2 and will be held every Wednesday through October 29. The market will feature extended hours this season, from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM, in order to provide expanded access to the market for working people in Lawrence and commuters returning to Lawrence in the evenings. The market is located on Appleton Way between Essex and Common Streets, near City Hall at 200 Common Street.

The Lawrence Farmers' Market features fresh, locally-grown produce from Boston Hill Farm in North Andover, Brox Farm in Dracut, Carrasquillo Farm in Lowell, and Riverdale Farm in Groton. By making a wide variety of produce available in a central location and at affordable prices, the market aims to provide residents of Lawrence and the surrounding community with the convenience, selection and value to help them make healthy food choices.

"The Farmers' Market makes nutritious, high-quality food accessible to members of our community," said Rose Gonzalez, program director for the Lawrence Farmers' Market. "Shoppers at the Farmers' Market can enjoy the convenience of having fresh-picked fruits and vegetables available right in the heart of downtown, with the confidence of knowing where their food is coming from."

The market accepts EBT cards (food stamps), as well as credit cards. WIC recipients may use their farmer's market-specific coupons toward their purchases at the Lawrence Farmers' Market.

In addition to providing a healthy alternative shopping venue, the Farmers' Market also brings the colors, scents and sounds of summer to downtown Lawrence. On Wednesday, July 9, the Live Lawrence! Farmers' Market Concert Series returns with Los Sugar Kings' electric mambo from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. (July 16: Acting Out, July 30: Goodtime Stringband, August 6: Capoeira, August 20: Brian Quirk, and August 27: Dixie Hot Four.)

The Lawrence Farmers' Market is operated by Groundwork Lawrence, Inc., (http://www.groundworklawrence.org) a locally based 501(c) 3 non-profit organization working to create sustainable environmental change through community-based partnerships. Groundwork Lawrence is an affiliate of Groundwork USA.