BELLAIRE — The Ohio Valley Farmers’ Market will kick off the 2021 season at its two locations on May 15 and May 20.

The Saturday market is held in the Municipal Parking Lot on 32nd St in Bellaire from 9 a.m. to noon. The Thursday market is held from 4-7 p.m. in the front parking lot of the Ohio Valley Mall.

The market is open through October.

The 2021 market looks to be bigger and better than ever, according to organizer Susan West. “We have as many new vendors as we do returning vendors,” West states in a news release. “We have new produce growers, including a mushroom farm and a cut flower farm, as well as new bakers and artisan crafters. Last season was busier than ever.

This growth is certainly exciting. We are thrilled that people see the value in supporting local farms and small businesses!”

In addition to a large slate of vendors, the market features many activities and special events. The first Saturday market will feature musician Anaga Martin. At the Kids’ Corner, children can decorate their own canvas tote bag that they can bring to the market each week.

Thanks to a grant from the Belmont County Tourism Council, the market will also be able to have live music on Thursdays. Opening on May 20 is Will Zullo.

The Thursday market will also feature Open Mic Night with DJ Mr. K on the first Thursday of each month. Aspiring musicians are encouraged to participate.

Both markets also feature food trucks and a customer loyalty program, and they accept USDA SNAP benefits.

SNAP participants can double the first $25 in benefits through the Produce Perks program on each market day.

Beginning in June, the Saturday market will host Kids Can Cook. Made possible through a grant from the EQT Foundation, children ages 5-12 can participate and train under two culinary arts professionals. This 10-week program will be held at 10 a.m. June 5 through Aug. 7.

Registration is required. Visit the market’s website, ovfarmersmarket.org, to register.

For more information, call West at 740-676-8187.