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Despite the heat, business was brisk on opening day at the Chamblee Farmers Market.

Temperatures soared into the 90s Saturday, yet the Chamblee Farmers Market enjoyed a well-attended debut.

Live music, chef demonstrations and raffle tickets helped kick off the event in the city’s Antiques Row district, which organizer The Chamblee Alliance for Art and Culture hopes will promote a healthy community and opportunities for local producers.

“Chamblee is very excited about the new farmers market,” Chamblee City Council member Tom Hogan stated in a press release. “We have a lot of work to do to bring definition to our downtown area, and the new farmers market is a huge step in the right direction.  The city is looking forward to doing what it can to help make the new market a long-term success.”

Vendors selling locally grown produce from vegetables to specialty breads gave an overwhelming thumbs-up to the response.

“We sold out about 9 o’clock [half an hour after the market opened for business],” said David Dilley, a farmer from Maysville, Ga., who by 11 a.m. only had a few green onions left. “It’s been a great day and we’ll be back every Saturday until December. “We have tomatoes, squashes, cucumbers, beans, beets and watermelons.”  

Located on Peachtree Road in the Frosty Caboose ice cream shop’s parking lot, the market runs every Saturday morning 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. until December, regardless of the weather. Approximately 10 vendors will remain during the summer season, according to the CAAC, providing “produce, meat, eggs, honey, flowers, bread, cheese, and coffee—to name a few.”

Additionally, vendors, which must be local, are required to follow organic production procedures.

“It’s great to see that the city is making an effort to really bring the community together,” said local resident Steve Mills. “Having things like this really boost the image of the community and being able to help local producers is also important.”

 Rachel Wright, who only buys organic products, was also delighted with the market. “This really is a step in the right direction,” said the 26-year-old student. “You can see the potential of downtown Chamblee and having the market adds to the charm of the area, which also has a cool tea shop, coffee shop, restaurants and ice cream shop. I’ll definitely be coming back.”

For more information about the Chamblee Farmers Market, visit www.chambleefarmersmarket.com