GROTON -- Nothing says summer like fresh picked tomatoes off the vine, corn on the cob and blueberries, especially if it's grown locally and picked that morning. That and much more will be available at the Groton Farmers Market beginning July 6 at the Williams Barn.

According to the Williams Barn Committee, this is the ninth season of the market which has grown steadily as more customers appreciate the benefits of locally grown food and have a venue to meet the people who produce it.

"Groton has a long and rich history of agriculture which the Williams Barn Committee has worked to preserve through the restoration of the Barn, silo and engine shed and through its mission of using the restored barn for the benefit of the community," said Lili Ott, cheese vendor and former committee member.

This past winter, the committee worked to add new vendors, musicians and signage. A simple country market, this year's vendors will include familiar faces and some new with vegetables, herbs, flowers, plants, fruit, including berries, frozen meat as well as food products made or processed in the Groton area with local ingredients such as breads, baked goods, honey, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies. There will also be gluten-free baked goods and ready-to-eat specialties, such as spinach pies.

The market has been certified by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and its vendors are eligible to accept WIC coupons and Elder Coupons.

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To entertain market goers, a wide variety of local music has been scheduled, from Irish, ukulele, folk and oldies for each week. Brad Smith, Williams Barn Committee member and musician, said a number of favorite musicians are returning as well as several new performers. The Farmers Market is supported by a grant from the Peter E. Bertozzi Trust from the town of Groton.

The Barn, originally built in 1840 and an example of early timber framing reflected in American barns of this period, will be open during the market for tour as well as the surrounding town trails. The Farmers Market will be open every Friday through Oct. 5, from 3-7 p.m. at the Williams Barn,160 Chicopee Row in Groton, 1.5 miles north of Main Street. For directions, visit the website www.williamsbarn.org.