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This season of the Olney Farmers and Artists Market is proving to organizers that the weekly gathering of growers, chefs, musicians and artists is becoming the community focal point they had hoped it would be.

"It was a terrific season," said Olney resident Janet Terry, founder and president of the market. "Our crowds were way bigger than last year, so we are thrilled with the turnout."

This year marked the second full season of the market, which opened for the first time in 2007 for just a few weeks.

Terry said that there were many new vendors, offering specialties including Vietnamese spring rolls, Argentinean sausage, homemade crab cakes and gourmet olive oils.

Guest chefs were popular each week, as was the musical entertainment, she said.

"I can't say enough about the talented musicians we have," Terry said. "It's a real tribute to our community to have so many talented people here."

Terry said the children's tent was a favorite with families, allowing children to make craft projects while their parents shopped.

"We've learned that is a big asset and we plan to continue it and improve it," she said.

But no doubt the farmers who brought fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, plants and flowers each week were the main attraction, Terry said.

"I can't say enough about them. We were very happy and they were happy, too," she said. "We hope to bring back all of our current vendors next year."

Terry said the farmers not only contributed to the success of the market, but also contributed to the community in various ways.

Each week, each farmer would donate leftover produce to the Manna Food Center, with the help of Project Change students who gathered and loaded the food onto the truck.

James Ricciuti, owner of Ricciuti's Restaurant, said the market means a lot to the community by opening up their eyes to the bounty of local produce available in the Chesapeake region.

"As a restaurateur, I formed a lot of good relationships with the farmers and made weekly purchases from them," he said. "That means our customers are getting fresh, local produce."

Ricciuti offered several popular classes where he would take groups to the market to buy items, and then back to his restaurant where he would teach them how to prepare them.

Ricciuti said that even though the market has closed for the season (it was open mid-May through early November), he is still purchasing food from the farmers.

"I'll keep doing that until there is nothing left growing," he said.

The Olney Farmers and Artists Market hosted its first Plein Air Olney, where area artists painted pictures of local landmarks and scenery. The artwork was displayed at local businesses, and then auctioned off at the Sandy Spring Museum last month. Each of the vendors generously donated food for the event.

"Plein Air Olney was definitely a highlight of the season," Terry said. "The artists were amazing and it was just a terrific thing for the community."

Terry said her committee is looking for ways to make the market even better next year and welcomes suggestions from the community.

"We talked to the Freeman Companies and expect to be back at the Olney Town Center shopping center again next year," she said, referring to the shopping plaza owners.

Terry said the market will open mid-May, but she has already fielded inquiries about next year.

During the off-season, Terry said, several tents need to be repaired and generators need to be maintained, so donations would be appreciated.

"We're not a wealthy organization," she said. "We just want to provide something healthy for families to do together, and for people to get out into the community."

For information on displaying goods at next year's Olney Farmers and Artists Market, visit

www.olneyfarmersmarket.org in

January for applications.

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