MOUNT VERNON — It’s hard to believe winter is right around the corner, but as the harvest season wanes, local farmers are gathering in the last of their homegrown fruits and vegetables to bring to the Mount Vernon Farmers Market.

Saturday, between 9 a.m. and noon, local vendors with bake goods; earth-grown pumpkins, gourds, and decorative corns; homemade jams and honeys; and much more will gather at Public Square for the last sale of the season.

This market day will offer a unique aspect with the selling of locally grown apples from neighboring orchards.

“We are trying to make people aware of the apple orchards in this area,” said Troy Cooper, Ohio State Extension horticulture educator and market manager. “We are hoping to have plenty of apples there, and we will have information on the type of apples that are available locally, in Knox County as well as the state.”

Not only will visitors get to purchase apples but there will be opportunities to learn new ways to make tasty apple treats.

“People will also be able to taste samples of the recipes available and pick up a copy to try at home,” said Cooper.

Even as harvest season comes to a close, Cooper feels there will be plenty of items to select from on Saturday.

“We do keep a faithful following of vendors who always seem to be there each week,” Cooper said.

Cooper hopes that the fire earlier this week on South Main Street will not deter people from attending the market.

“There will still be parking and this shouldn’t affect our normal operation,” he said.

kenesha.beheler@mountvernonnews.com