FOLEY, Ala. — The Chicago Street Farmers Market in downtown Foley has averaged about 15 vendors and will continue through July 31 — that day will feature the city's only remaining "Music and a Movie" event.

The market is held every Friday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and sells fruit and vegetables, bread, farm eggs, jams and jellies, honey and shrimp

On July 31, Clementine — a band made up of graduates of Foley High School, will perform at 5:30 p.m. with the movie "Pure Country" starting around 8 p.m., according to Kathy Danielson, executive director of the Foley Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Touch a Truck will begin between 3 and 4 p.m. where children can experience hands on learning about fire trucks, dump trucks, and many others.

The events will preview the following weekend's Annual Jennifer Claire Moore Rodeo.

In addition to the family entertainment opportunity, Danielson said the market has helped the local economy.

"It's been a huge success for the farmers and the patrons," she said. "People leave with bags and bags.

"The locals come back every Friday — it's part of their routine."

Alan Norden, a fruit and vegetable farmer at the market, agreed.

“It has helped the little farmers a lot and some of the big farmers," he said.

He added that Foley's market, like other farmers markets, will have to carefully regulate who they allow to sell at the market because those who buy produce and have products machine sorted will take business from small, local farmers.

"It's a good thing — you've just got to police it," he said.

Norden said having a variety helps with sales, too.

"You're better off having diversity," he said. "We can make jams and jellies for the market now. It's an added thing so we don't just have one thing sitting on the table."

He said that also helps with fruits that don't sell and that have a short shelf life.

Norden's produce includes squash, peaches, blueberries, blackberries and pears.

"It gives people a choice to buy local instead of having it shipped in from Venezuela or Mexico," he said.

According to the Alabama Farmers Market Authority's Web site, grocery store produce can be shipped from foreign countries as long as seven to 14 days after harvest, where local produce can be sold often within 24 hours. Time is of the essence because produce eaten at optimal ripeness contains more flavor and nutrients.

Bill Goodwin, a city of Foley horticulturist and farmers market committee member, said fresh produce is key to healthy eating.

"The crowds have been great. The state has been running some ads about "eat fresh, buy local," he said. "Everybody seems to be more conscious about eating healthy. It (fresh produce) is part of any healthy diet and we've got it at the Foley farmers market."

He said he hopes to continue the market in the fall.

"It's been well received. I think it'll grow in the future," he said. "We hope for a six-week Harvest Market with satsumas, pecans, shrimp and green, leafy vegetables like broccoli and cabbage."

Finally, the market offers free entertainment and fellowship, according to Danielson.

"It's a wonderful, family-oriented activity that's free," she said. "They can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, so it's an inexpensive way to feed their families, and they can spread out in lawn chairs, visit with neighbors and enjoy a night under the stars."