Springfield, IL (CAPTIOL CITY NOW) – The Old Capitol Farmers Market is set to begin its 27th season Saturday, marking what organizers call a true sign of spring in downtown Springfield.

The market opens at 8 a.m. Saturday at the corner of Fourth and Adams streets and runs through 12:30 p.m. There will be about 80 vendors, live music, kids’ activities and a giveaway at the Downtown Springfield Inc. booth for a reusable farmers market bag.

Cassie Grey-Stautelet, associate director of Downtown Springfield Incorporated, is entering her third year with the organization and her first in the role of market manager. She said the market remains popular because of its wide variety of offerings.

“You can get almost anything you can think of,” Grey-Stautelet said. “It’s an experience.”

She encouraged residents to spend time downtown while visiting the market, noting opportunities to shop locally and visit nearby bars and restaurants. She said the event is also a way to bring friends and family together.

“Really experience the culture of downtown,” she said. “There is so much to offer from our market vendors. It’s just really fantastic.”

The Springfield market is a producer-only market, meaning items must be made or grown by the vendors themselves. Offerings include produce, artisan goods, coffee, meat, dairy, eggs and pasta, along with items such as honey, jams, jellies and olive oil.

Grey-Stautelet said organizers are excited about returning favorites and new additions this season, including the return of eggs and the addition of new artists and bakeries. A bookmobile from a local bookstore will also be featured.

“All of our old favorites are going to be there,” she said.

Grey-Stautelet said Saturday’s opening is a great way to kick off the season.

“Bring a pet, find some great parking, come by and enjoy us, and you will not regret it,” she said.

HSHS St. John’s Hospital is the presenting sponsor and returns each year, organizers said.

Market officials recommend bringing cash.