The Albert Lea Farmers Market will begin its indoor winter market season on Saturday at Northbridge Mall.

The market will be open from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Vendors will be on hand to sell locally produced seasonal fruits and vegetables, fresh baked goods, farm-raised meats and eggs, honey, maple syrup, soaps and lotions, jams and jellies, gluten-free products, artisan crafts and holiday gifts, among other items, according to a news release.

“We’re going to have more vendors this year, said Karl Milliron, owner of K&K Bakery, who is one of the vendors at the market. “Several of us made a commitment late in the season to keep on going until Christmas.”

Milliron said several vendors have late-season produce that needs to be sold, especially with the delayed spring planting season.

“It’s also important for small businesses to have a place to come together and offer high quality, locally produced goods to the community,” he said.

Jennifer Lomack of 24 Karrot Gardens, another market vendor, said the winter market offers vendors a chance to sell gift items and seasonal baked goods to the community.

With an increase in greenhouse produce in the area, there should be more greenhouse produce in the years to come.

Market vendors throughout the winter will continue to accept EBT benefits and will offer a $5 matching benefit on the first $5 of EBT spent by customers each time they come to the market. The benefit is made possible through a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Health.

For more information on the market or to find out how to join, contact Verlys Huntley at 297-5546.