After gestating for a few years without much activity, the market was born this year under the leadership of Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Lynch.

The idea was first hatched a few years ago when now-Mayor Harold Broadwell was serving on the board of directors with the Chamber of Commerce.

He had seen a similar market in the mountains and thought the idea could be replicated here. The market began inauspiciously late this spring, with just two vendors.

But that first Saturday was successful for those vendors, and the customers who made purchases that first week came back. And both groups — vendors and customers — began to grow.

During a recent visit, the number of vendors had quadrupled to eight. Customer traffic was steady, but never heavy. Lynch’s idea was that a farmer’s market could bolster traffic in the downtown area.

He wanted to generate new volunteerism among chamber members.

And he wanted to provide a service in Wendell people had been forced to drive to Raleigh to get.

Check.

Check.

And, check.

The Wendell Farmer’s Market may still be small by some standards. But there seems to be interest among vendors who might appear later in the year, or even next year. There is room to grow at the current site in the parking lot across from the J. Ashley Wall Towne Square.

All those are promising signs that the Chamber has created a service people in Wendell want. Fresh fruits and vegetables are in greater demand as people try to make healthier choices about the food they eat and what they feed their children.

The market also has the potential to draw customers from all over eastern Wake County. There are no farmer’s markets in Knightdale or Zebulon. The town’s central location in eastern Wake County makes it a good place for a farmer’s market.

The market also gives local growers entré into a new market. They can now reach customers they couldn’t reach previously. And the quality of their experience at the market will be in direct proportion to the quality of the produce they bring to the market. Good value — like a good idea — is worth waiting for. Wendell has it now in the form of a successful farmer’s market.

— Johnny Whitfield