“We’re back” is the message from the Salisbury/Rowan Farmers’ Market, which opens for the first time this season on Saturday.

Eric Bowen, farmers’ market manager, expects seven new vendors, two of which will fill needs created by vendors who are not returning.

The folks at Eagle & Son retired, and Bame Meats will not return in order to spend more time together as a family.

the hours remain 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays at the corner of Fisher and Jackson streets, across from Rowan Public Library, and from May 25 to Aug. 30, 8 a.m.-noon on Wednesdays, too.

What’s new this year is the evening market on Wednesdays will be at the Gateway, near New Sarum Brewery, from 4-7 p.m.

Fall market hours and days begin in September.

New vendors who have applied to come to the market include Holly Hutchins, with Hutchins Homestead, a first-time grower; Thomas Family Farm, Kevina and Michelle Thomas of Richfield, who will sell pork and beef; Vanhoose Cake Connection, for fancy cakes;  JB Dog Treats, Joyce Bittner; Sandy Creek Farm will return on Wednesday evenings; Fading D Farms will be back with water buffalo cheese; Teachers Can, Too! with Cindy and Lydia Adkins; MikNik Farms, likely in the evening; Spring Lake Family Farms, which grows vegetables using hydroponics;  Twin Oak Farms, formerly Frank Patterson Farms, Greg Hartsell and Tim Sloop; reWorked, Helayna Bostian, with arts and crafts upcycling, glass bottles, denim and some vegetables and herbs.

Most of the vendors from 2015 will return this year, including the Red Barn Market of David Correll, Lee Ly with flowers and vegetables, Emma Martin of the Bread Basket and Kristine Turco of How Sweet It Is, Miller Farms, Outer Banks Seafood, Two Pigs and more.

This weekend, the market will compete with the Touch a Truck event, so since they can’t beat ’em, they’ll join ’em, with a large John Deere tractor from James River Equipment and activities for children.

Bowen warns shoppers to watch for detours on downtown streets this weekend. He recommends coming to the market from Fulton Street, with parking on Jackson. “Just don’t get frustrated and give up,” he says.

Bowen, who also works for Bread Riot food co-op, is trying, along with board members, to figure out how to do a food aid program for people in need, either with unsold produce or specific purchases. That will come later in the spring.

So bring your baskets, your bags and your cash to opening day. The vendors will be happy to see you.