The mayor’s ceremonial cheese toss, free pony cart rides and live music from popular island band Awkward Grace will highlight opening day of the 2017 season of the Bainbridge Island Farmers Market, returning to Town Square from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday beginning Saturday, April 1.

“We are excited about not only bringing our early fresh produce to market but also about some of our new vendors for 2017,” said Peter Weber, market president and owner of Farmhouse Organics. “The market is a terrific place for neighbors to mingle, grab something to eat and take home local vegetables for dinner. It’s a great atmosphere and a big boost for local farmers and crafters.”

As always, the market will have an abundance of locally grown produce, plants, flowers, eggs, honey and wine, as well as artisan crafts, including wearables and jewelry, art glass, woodcraft, metalcraft and garden art, paintings, pastries, pottery and hot food items from more than 35 vendors.

Powell and Jones Craft Chocolate, and Via Rosa 11, are among the food vendors who will be returning or debuting this year. Powell and Jones will offer some of its chocolate bunnies just in time for the Easter season, while Via Rosa will be selling some of its popular pasta.

The Rosie Creek Carriage will be offering free pony cart rides beginning at 9 a.m.

Visit www.bainbridgefarmersmarket.org for more information.