It seems the Ironton Farmers Market and surrounding fanfare is experiencing simultaneous growth.

Members of Ironton In Bloom on Saturday will serve free strawberries over hot biscuits at the Farmers Market.

“Come and celebrate strawberries with us while you shop with our many vendors for fresh produce,” Sam Heighton, market manager, said. “We also have fresh baked items, homemade candy, jelly, jam, starter plants, flowers and much more.”

Heighton unveiled a rolling mascot of sorts this past weekend — a golf cart emblazoned with a sign advertising the Farmers Market. The cart belongs to Robert Slagel, who, Heighton said, lives outside the city limits and can’t drive it into town.

“He was one of the people who pushed for the golf cart ordinance,” Heighton said. “He wants me to use it for a couple of weeks to make it visible. He had it processed by the city and could be the first one approved.”

The Ohio University Southern Art Collaborative today begins an avant-garde series of hands-on activities for children.

“(The students) have two main activities for kids and will be furnishing paper and crayons,” Heighton said. “Friday is a great day to have the kids at the market. The splash park is open so come prepared to take them there afterward.”

The art students will be at the market from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The “Arts at the Market” events are set for every other Friday until fall.

The Ironton Farmers Market opens at 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday and is sponsored by Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital. It is located on Second Street in downtown Ironton near the train depot.