It's that time of year again, when people will gather in Riverdale Park's town center each week to sort through produce, strolling around to different vendors and waving to familiar faces.

The biggest weekly social event will arrive as farmers market season in Riverdale Park will start at 3 p.m. Thursday.  Many of the old favorites are back, but some new faces will emerge as well.

The Riverdale Park Farmers Market Facebook page has been announcing new vendors over the last few weeks including a new fruit vendor and another meat vendor.

Blades Orchard will be making an appearance this year and will offer a variety of fruit depending on the season including, but not limited to, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins. They also may sell honey and cider as it is available to customers when visiting their orchard. The group also runs a CSA, offering a variety of produce as well.

Then, there's Stachowski Brand Charcuterie, which will offer fresh and cooked sausages, cold cuts and cured meats. However, they won't make an appearance on opening day.

According to the market's Facebook page, the following vendors will be out Thursday: Eco City Farm, Thank God It's Fresh LLC, Red Chimney Farm, Groff's Content Farm, Stone Hearth Bakery, Ruben's Crepes, Miguel's Mini Donuts, Mystic Water Soaps, Karmalades, Mad Mud Studio, Rustic Gourmet, Zeke's Coffee and Simple Pleasures Ice Cream.

The famous pickle stand — In a Pickle — has yet to confirm, however, for updates follow the market's page.

Resident Beth Allgood has volunteered to organize cooking demonstrations at 5:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month starting in May.

"We have five people that are volunteering to do two demos each," Allgood said. "They will be healthy and affordable dishes; you can get [the ingredients] at the market."

Copies of the recipe will be available at the table for tasters to take home. Allgood said she hopes to feature the vendors' products over the weeks, including those that don't sell fruits and vegetables.

There will be 10 demonstrations total through September. The market closes at 7 p.m.

Look for our Home-Grown Cooking and Eating column to make its seasonal debut Friday. This year we'll be focusing on market shoppers, their favorite items and share their recipes.