Like the cycle of the seasons, the Albert Lea Farmers’ Market is changing and growing.

The changes start with a new location &045; downtown Albert Lea. At 4 p.m. today, the 2002 Albert Lea Farmers’ Market will open for the first time at the corner of Broadway Avenue and Water Street, right by the Albert Lea Civic Theatre.

&uot;Because of this new location, we are now looking forward to providing the community with a new and expanded farmers’ market,&uot; said Verlys Huntley, president of the Farmers’ Market Association.

In addition to the change in location, this year, shoppers will also be able to find flowers, bedding plants, a fire truck, music, baked goods, coffee and a place to visit while they stroll around the market.

&uot;We hope everyone will come by and see everything we have to offer. And if any of you have stories or memories about earlier Farmers’ Market days, we would appreciate having you share them with us,&uot; said Huntley.

Because of some cooler-than-normal weather in March and April, the veggies and fruits may be slightly slower in showing up at the market. &uot;But believe me, they will certainly be worth the wait,&uot; Huntley added.

In another new twist, Destination: Albert Lea and the Farmer’s Market are pooling their resources this summer to enhance the market and make all of downtown Albert Lea a fun place to go and browse.

This Wednesday, Albert Lea’s Fire Department will display a fire truck with firefighters on hand to talk to children, let them see the inside of a fire truck, and learn about fire safety.

Music will be in the air as George Marin, Albert Lea musician and minister, will be playing his guitar starting at 4:30.

DAL member Eloise Adams will be drawing caricatures and Destination: Albert Lea will sell coffee.

Other special events are scheduled throughout the summer.

On Saturday, May 18, at 9 a.m. the market will be open for its first Saturday market. Throughout the spring and summer and into October, the market will be open each Wednesday starting at 4 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m.