Market at the Square, Urbana’s local farmer’s market, opened Saturday. A variety of vendors are scheduled to participate.

According to the city’s official website, Market at the Square had more than 175 registered vendors participate in 2009. The market opens from 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday morning from May 1 through Nov. 6.

The market is located on the corner of Illinois and Vine streets in Urbana.

While inclement weather has been a major deterrent in sales for the farmer’s market in past years, vendors said customers still endure the unpredictable weather. Cindy Sampson, Champaign resident, said she has had her jewelry and clothes stand at the market for five to six years. She added that the best part of the farmer’s market is the people she meets, the vendors and the customers.

“I wish I could see everything,” Sampson said. “This is my full-time job.”

Other vendors said the weather was cooperative Saturday. However, the Illinois Marathon made it difficult for customers to get to the market.

Joe Merwin, Chandlerville resident, said customers complained about roads being closed off for the marathon.

However, some customers who came to the market Saturday morning were also runners in the marathon.

Ajana Boone, Chicago resident, ran in the marathon with her parents and went to the market after the race. She said she liked seeing local vendors at the market.

“It (the marathon) was fun,” Boone said. “We had a great time. It was so inspiring to see everyone come out.”

Merwin sold asparagus at the market, but he said he will also have strawberries, black raspberries and vegetables as the farmer’s market season continues.

Among fresh produce, baked goods and clothes, several other items are on sale at the market. Jerry Rhoads, St. Joseph resident, has been selling his wood turnings for four years at Market at the Square. He said he makes bowls, bottle stoppers, ink pens and salt and pepper shakers out of wood.

“We’ve had some fantastic sale days here,” Rhoads said. “Meeting a lot of people is great. I usually make eight to 10 bowls per week. I’m working on something every day.”

With vendors lined up along the southeast lot of Lincoln Square, street performers played music for the customers as entertainment.

Margaret Seggebruch, Urbana resident, said she has been coming to the market for the past three years. She added that she loves the fresh produce and flowers sold at the farmer’s market.

“I don’t have any bad memories here,” she said. “It’s just a wonderful atmosphere.”