When some people think about summer meals, they think of fresh fruits and vegetables whipped up into some yummy dish.

Fresh doesn’t get much fresher than the Jefferson Farmers’ Market, where you might find sweet potatoes dug up so recently that dirt still clings to them.

"This is the third year that we’ve had a Jefferson Farmers’ Market. For the last two years, we co-sponsored the farmers’ market with the Downtown Development Authority in Commerce. We’d do the first and third Saturday in Commerce and the second and fourth ones in Jefferson," said Beth Laughinghouse, Jefferson Farmers’ Market coordinator.

"But we had such a response from our citizens that they wanted to enjoy the farmers’ market every Saturday in Jefferson, that this year we decided to keep it strictly in Jefferson."

The market will be open from June through September, but an informational meeting for potential sellers is Tuesday.

Part of the reason for the meeting is to decide when the farmers’ market will officially open.

"If the farmers tell me they will have crops ready on the first Saturday in June we will open then, if not we will definitely open by the end of the month," she said.

The Jefferson market isn’t just for farmers. Individuals who can sell homemade preserves, fresh baked goods and fresh flowers.

And anyone with a product grown or baked in Georgia can be a seller.

Laughinghouse says you don’t have to be searching for profits to participate.

"We have a lot of people who have planted a big garden, but aren’t looking to sell their (produce)," she said.

"I tell them to pick a charity and donate their proceeds to that organization. It’s a good way to get rid of your excess, lets buyers have fresh fruits and vegetables to eat and it also does good for the community."

Although the market has grown in popularity over the years, and the city could easily make a nice profit from vendor spots, the cost to participate in the farmers’ market has remained very reasonable.

"This isn’t a money-making venture for us. It only costs sellers $10 for the entire season," Laughinghouse said.

"We just want to provide a venue to showcase Georgia grown produce."