Sweltering weather didn’t dampen spirits as children, seniors, city officials and business personnel came out in droves to support and to buy fresh produce at the Selma-Dallas County Farmer’s Market Saturday.

Strategic Alliance for Health’s project coordinator Kathi Needham said Saturday’s opening, which included a ribbon cutting at 9 a.m., was a huge success.

“At 7 a.m., we had a large crowd — about 300 people,” Needham said. “We sold around 250 (reusable) bags and had more than 220 people register for door prizes. Everyone has contributed so much to the success of the market and we thank the city and everyone. It was good to see our farmers who had loaded trucks leave early with empty ones. We hope to have many more.”

Selma City Schools’ music teacher Rosanne Wiggins, who made her farmer debut at the market, said the public response has been great.

“I’m really excited,” Wiggins said. “This is a chance to bring locally grown and organic vegetables to the community. Prices are so high for produce nowadays and with homegrown produce, we can help save customers money.”

Many farmers sold out of their produce by the start of the event.

Florence and Vernon Cranmore had more than 150 goods to sell.

“We sold out several baskets of okra by 6 a.m.,” said Florence Cranmore. “The squash, plums, peaches and cabbage went quickly as well.”

“Our peaches went super fast,” said Randy Chandler, who owns his family farm of three generations. “We’ve sold all of our plums and only have a few potatoes left.”

Not only have residents experienced the health benefits of buying fresh produce, but they experienced communal benefits as well.

“I came to get out and mingle with my neighbors,” said Selma resident Jessie Jones. “The vegetables are great — you can see the difference of what you buy in the store and what’s sold out here. There’s a lot of love.”

Salem Elementary students came out to display evidence of their hard work in farming. The group brought baskets of potatoes grown from their school garden.

“We planted them, poured water on them and counted them to see how much we had,” said second grader Tamaria Alexander. “Vegetables are healthy for you, you’re always supposed to eat them.”

The market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. until November.

The market is a collaborative effort between The Dallas County Health Department, Alabama Department of Public Health, Dallas County Healthy Communities, Alabama Strategic Alliance for Health and the Vaughan Community Health Services.