It’s 8 a.m. Saturday morning, and a large crowd has gathered at the junction of U.S. Highway 2 and N.D. Highway 3.

It’s a sign of late summer in Rugby.

The Farmers’ Market is in full swing, and the success of this annual event has enabled it to expand to Wednesday afternoons as well, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Residents take a lot of pride in their gardens and baking and canning. Why not allow them to offer these tasty items to the public for sale.?

That’s what the Geographical Center Chamber of Commerce thought, and for several years now the event has been sponsored by the chamber.

The market is a throwback to yesteryear when producers would gather at the town square following harvest to sell their goods. Producers counted on that income, and buyers looked forward to fresh produce to put on the dinner table.

The market is an opportunity for those who tend to struggle with a Green Thumb to enjoy the fresh vegetables and fruits that grow in abundance in many gardens in the area.

As farming practices have changed, farmers’ markets have become fewer, as products were shipped away to be processed and sold commercially.

We’re fortunate one is still going on locally – and going strong.

Even though the market will soon come to an end for the year, there is still time to take part as a vendor.

Anyone interested in selling can simply show up, park the pickup or car and display their items. This year the chamber decided not to charge a small vendor fee, and that has enticed a few more to participate.

And a good number come from as far away as the Drake and Towner areas.

The market is a small slice of community. And one many look forward to this time of year.