In recognition of National Farmers Market Week Aug. 3-9 Ironton In Bloom will be at the Ironton Farmers Market giving away hot buttered corn on the cob donated by the local vendors.

“We will be fully stocked with fresh, homegrown produce, homemade candy, baked items, crafts and all the other great items people have grown accustomed to seeing there,” Sam Heighton, market manager, said.

National Farmers Market Week was proclaimed on June 24 by United States Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack, who said in the proclamation, “Farmers markets play a key role in developing local and regional food systems that support the sustainability of family farms, revitalize rural communities and provide opportunities for farmers and consumers to interact.”

The United States Department of Agriculture recently released statistics that show Ohio ranks fourth in the number of framers markets, up one spot from fifth place last year.

California leads the nation with 764 markets, New York is second with 638 and Michigan third with 339. The numbers also show a 76 percent increase in the number of farmers markets nationwide; 4,685 in 2008 to 8,286 in 2014. The department of agriculture reports the increase in numbers reflects a continued demand.

Friends of Ironton will sell Ro-Na T-shirts and all proceeds go toward continued restoration of the theater.

The market — a project of Ironton aLive and sponsored by Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital – is open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. every Friday and Saturday on Second Street in downtown Ironton.