Benicia Certified Farmers Market’s 22nd season starts Thursday, filling First Street from B to D streets with the sights and smells of fresh produce, flowers and other foods.

Nancy Martinez, Benicia Main Street executive director, said the market will be held every Thursday through Oct. 30, giving shoppers the opportunity to buy produce fresh from area farms, as well as cut flowers, arts and crafts items, specialty and gourmet foods and baked goods.

The market has long been a marker for the changing seasons, giving downtown visitors a gauge on what is being harvested and brought to market and when, said Deborah Meyer, Benicia Main Street event coordinator.

“What’s in season for April are artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, rhubarb, turnips, cherries, strawberries, grapefruit and oranges,” Meyer said.

In May, farmers will start bringing in apricots, blackberries, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots and raspberries, she said.

Additional crops will start showing up during summer and fall, she added.

This year, for the first time, the farmers market will accept CalFresh EBT cards, which have replaced food stamps, Martinez and Meyer said.

“The market’s goal is to offer fresh fruits, vegetables and other eligible products to families who receive EBT benefits,” Meyer said.

“EBT recipients can purchase tokens specific to the Benicia Farmers Market, valued at $1 each, from Benicia Main Street’s booth.”

The season opener is a sellout, with many familiar vendors returning and some newcomers setting up booths as well, Meyer said.

Among the first-time sellers is Kyle McGee Farms, selling artichokes, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, melons, peppers, radishes, squashes, tomatoes, beans, eggplants, watermelons and zucchinis.

Also new to the market are Angelina’s Family Kitchen, selling biscotti; Dawg Gawn Nutz, selling gourmet glazed roasted nuts; Cucina Ragazza, selling gourmet Rice Krispy treats; Fairyella Ice Pops; Sonoma Spice Queen, selling handcrafted organic spice mixes and rubs; Way to Life Foods, selling quinoa burgers, granola, vegan cinnamon buns and protein bars; Benicia Yacht Club, selling sandwiches and chips; and Big Bob’s Mini Donuts.

Among the returning vendors are Diaz Farms, bringing grapes, oranges, peaches and nectarines; Great Valley Poultry, with its cage-free organic eggs; Lujan Farms, with apples, apricots, cherries, figs, grapes, citrus, nectarines, peaches, plums, pluots and pomegranates; Marshall’s Farm, which produces natural honey; and Medrano’s Flowers.

Also signed up for the market are Ortiz Farms, bringing strawberries, raspberries and blackberries; Rainbow Orchards, which grows blueberries; Resendiz Farms, growers of stone fruits, tomatoes, squashes, melons, cherries, grapes, almonds and plums; and Rose Lane Farms, bringing jam pickles and salsas.

Those who shop at the farmers market regularly may participate in Benicia Main Street’s “Frequent Shopper Card” program, Martinez said.

They can obtain the Frequent Shopper Card at Benicia Main Street’s booth in the market. After eight hole punches, frequent shoppers get a free small bag of the “produce of the week,” Martinez said.

The farmers market is more than just a place to buy fresh food and craft items. It has become a community gathering place with entertainment for the whole family that attracts 3,000 people each week, Meyer and Martinez said.

Among the children’s activities on the First Street Green are face painting and an inflatable bounce house.

Young and old alike will be entertained by keyboardist Kevin K. and a Benicia-based Hawaiian dance group, Ke Aolani O Kamaile, that will perform at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The Benicia Certified Farmers Market will open Thursday at 4 p.m. at the foot of First Street, and will reopen at 4 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 30.

Those interested may contact Benicia Main Street by calling 707-745-9791 or by email at info@beniciamainstreet.org.