While the weather may not be ideal for growing, the farmers are opening up shop this weekend in Petrolia.

The Petrolia Farmers’ Market behind the public library opens Saturday at 7am. It’s the fourth year the pavilion has housed fresh produce, baked goods and meats.

“It’s a real sign of summer to me,” says Petrolia’s Marketing Manager Laurissa Ellsworth. “We have many returning vendors this year and we expect a full roster Saturday.”

Ellsworth says this weekend is a “soft opening” with vendors out selling in season produce but next weekend will be the Grand Opening of the market.

The town will be selling 100 White Roses – The Pascali Petrolia Rose – that has been named the town’s flower. White Rose was a gas station which started in Petrolia and links back to the community’s oil heritage, according to Ellsworth.

She expects the rose will sell out quickly.

Members of the IODE will also be on hand May 31 selling butter tarts as a fundraiser and Petrolia in Bloom will hold its annual plant sale as well.

Members of council will be behind the barbecue serving up food for a donation to Community Events. Ellsworth says the opening will be a good start to the summer season.

“A lot of buzz about the fresh food coming back after winter,” she says