The Albert Lea Farmers Market will open Wednesday with new hours and new varieties of goods.

The first market of the season will be in the municipal parking lot on North Broadway. Wednesday markets are from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

A market will also be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays along Bridge Avenue in the parking lot of Herberger’s at Northbridge Mall.

The market will run until the end of October.

Albert Lea Farmers Market marketing and social media director Patti Floyd said there will be less of a selection at early markets due to unseasonable  spring weather.

Asparagus, rhubarb and maple syrup will be reliable products to find at the market on Wednesday.

Visitors of the farmers market can expect more products available in the coming weeks, such as radishes, kale, craft items, plants and farm-fresh eggs, canned products from jellies and jams to salsa and pickles, as well as maple syrup and craft items.

Floyd expects lettuce and radishes to arrive later in the season than normal.

She said everybody involved is ready and excited to get the farmers market season going.

The Albert Lea Farmers Market accepts WIC vouchers and SNAP/EBT cards again this year.

A Market Sprouts program is available again this year, which allows children to receive a shopping bag and punch a card for each $1 purchase at the market. When they get 10 punches on the card, they qualify for a $1 gift certificate.

The market has added another statewide program this year called the Power of Produce. The program is structured similar to the Market Sprouts program.

Both programs encourage children to eat healthy and buy local produce.

Anyone interested in more information can visit the Albert Lea Farmers Market Facebook page or their website.

The market will hold numerous events this year, including live performances from local musicians.