The Festhalle Farmers’ Market’s season is in full swing, and the vendors at the market are offering a source for fresh, locally-grown produce for area residents.

Farmers from around the area gather at the Festhalle Market Platz every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the summer to sell their homegrown fruits, vegetables, bread and other items to local customers.

The market is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. from April through October, and it is also open from 5-10 p.m. during the city’s 2nd Fridays event that takes place on the second Friday of every month from June-September.

Kelvin Mitchell, who lives in Albertville and is in his second year of bringing his fruits and vegetables to sell in Cullman, said he chooses to come to the Festhalle Farmers’ Market because the customers and other vendors are some of the best he has experienced.

“Out of all the markets I’ve been a vendor at, I like this one the most,” he said. “I sell more here than any of the others, and I get along with all of the other vendors.”

Bill Morris, owner of Pond Creek Farm on the southwest side of Cullman, said he has sold his fruits and vegetables in other markets around the state, including bigger ones in Huntsville and Birmingham, but he prefers the market in his own city.

Compared to the markets in bigger cities, there aren’t as many people who come to the Festhalle Market, but it can be easier to sell to Cullman residents, he said. 

“Cullman’s just a smaller town, it’s a farm town,” he said. “Most everybody that comes down here grows stuff, so they know what they’re looking for when they get here.”

Another good aspect of the Festhalle is the atmosphere, Morris said. 

“This is pretty laid back here, and I like it,” he said. “A lot of good folks come in here.”

Some of the market’s customers on Tuesday morning shared a similar sentiment of the Festhalle Market.

Trisha Angle, who visited the market with her husband Lynn, said they like to come to the Festhalle throughout the year to buy the fresh produce.

“It’s wonderful. You have so many choices,” she said. “This is where we buy all of our vegetables.”

The Farmers’ Market also lets you get to know your local farmers and lets you see where your food is coming from, and any offerings available in a grocery store don’t compare the fresh produce that’s available at the market, Lynn said.

“Stuff in the grocery store doesn’t taste anything like this,” he said.

Located at 209 1st Ave NE, Cullman

Open April 4 until October 28, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., with special late-night hours from 5-10 p.m. on the second Friday of every month.