The first day of Iowa City’s annual Farmers’ Market kicked off Wednesday.

Running through the month of October, the market will host a number of local farmers, producers, crafters, and artisans, who will offer fresh agricultural products and educate consumers on the benefits of locally grown items.

The Farmers’ Market will be open to the public from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesdays and 7:30 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. It is located on the ground level of the Chauncey Swan parking ramp.

When the market began in 1972, it was limited to 13 vendors and only opened to the public on Saturday mornings. Now, the market is a venue for more than 50 vendors on Wednesdays and more than 140 vendors on Saturdays.

“We love the people, and we love coming and selling our wares,” said Jerry Dill, the owner of Dills Original Kettle Korn. “This is our 12th year, and it’s a great time. We always enjoy getting out to the Farmers’ Market.”

The Mercer Park Farmers’ Market, the newest in Iowa City, will begin on May 7 at Mercer Park from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m.