This October Westlake Farmers Market is making the Toney Burger Center its new home. In eight short years, the market, founded by Pamela Boyar, has grown from a meager 12 vendors (with eight original members still participating) to 70. And due to such rapid growth, the Westlake High school parking lot is no longer spacious enough to accommodate the operation.

Starting small, farmers first discovered Westlake Farmers Market as a new venue to sell their produce. However, the market is now recognized as the largest grossing grower-only farmers market in the state of Texas. One of the key features and attractions at Westlake Farmers Market is the idea that everyone grows what they sell, and every product sold is held to the highest standards of quality and freshness. What’s more, 85 percent of the farmers featured at the market use sustainable methods of growing produce, with only the freshest natural ingredients.

Eating locally grown, ripely picked produce can be addictive, especially if you’re concerned with your health. For one, it tastes better; not to mention the freshness means a higher nutritional value. These days it is not that easy to keep up with the variety of hormones and additives in our food, so buying directly from the person who grew what you’re going to eat, can provide extra reassurance.

Besides the seasonal fruits and vegetables offered at Westlake Farmers Market, hand-crafted goat and cow cheese are also available. These cattle come from small herds and are humanely treated, while the milk is processed naturally into a number of different cheese varieties like cheddar, blue, mozzarella, string, chevre, gruyere and more. Organic and grass-fed beef, pork, chicken and eggs are also raised and processed with integrity. Turkeys are available at Thanksgiving and there is even talk of fresh fish coming our way from the Gulf of Mexico. And the following is just a glimpse of the seasonal produce available at the market: tomatoes, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pecans, lettuce, cucumbers, herbs, greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets, turnips, radish, oranges, apples, grapefruits, squash and more.

Specialty food items such as wheat and cane sugar-free pastries (for those who have certain food allergies) usually have the longest lines at the market. And if you are averse to nuts, special pestos made from sunflower seeds are a great alternative. French chefs make traditional pate´s, confits, and decadent pastries if you just want to indulge. Fresh made fruit or vegetable juice is sold to order and natural snow cones are fun and popular items for kids. Traditional tamales in banana leaves, spelt pastas, empanadas, lacto-fermented vegetables and local honey are just a few of the other healthy items to choose from.

Besides all the good things to eat, there are local artisans, live music, and kids entertainment as well. There is always something for everyone at the market, which is open every Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., year-round, rain or shine. The Grand Opening at the Toney Burger Center will take place on Oct. 16 with lots of festivities. And remember that supporting your local farmer is always a wise choice, since farmers work hard to bring you the best and freshest produce around. For more information, visit www.westlakefarmersmaket.com.

Pamela Boyar has been working with organic farmers for 23 years. She started a fresh-pressed juice company in 1980 and in 1986 began distributing organically grown produce directly from the farmers to the restaurants in California. Committed to support and promote the small family farm, she’s currently the director of Westlake Farmers Market, which she established in 1997. It’s the highest grossing farmers’ market in Texas. To find out more, visit www.westlakefarmersmarket.com.