The markets are managed separately, but they are tied together loosely because of Donna Vogelpohl, who manages markets in Jenks and downtown Tulsa.

Annette Riherd, a vendor at Pearl Farmers' Market and manager of the Owasso Farmers' Market, said she appreciates Vogelpohl's assistance.

"Donna helped me a lot, and she started an e-mail system for all us market managers to get answers to our questions and offer help to each other," Riherd said.

Riherd and her husband, Tim, operate Aunt Nettie's Herbs, a produce and herb farm near Oologah.

The organic farm is certified by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry Division.

"Farmers' markets attract customers we'd never get otherwise," Riherd said.

Pearl market customer Jo Daniels said she enjoys farmers' markets.

"I try to go to all the farmers' markets in the area. I really am impressed with all of them. We need more, and we need to support our local growers," Daniels said.

She said she likes the impromptu nature of the outdoor seasonal markets.

As a light shower started May 3 at the Pearl market, Riherd moved half her produce to make room for a vendor who wasn't under a tent. Another vendor scooted his tent to cover Three Penny Upright, the band playing that day, so members could continue playing.

"I like these markets because they bring a sense of community," Riherd said. "You get to know your customers. They become friends."

Rain, unless accompanied by lightning, doesn't slow farmers' markets, she said.

"As farmers, we plant in the rain, harvest in the rain and sell in the rain, and I'm always amazed at how many customers show up in the rain," she said.

On May 3, the Pearl market had a representation of the types of vendors markets have in the spring before much produce is harvested, manager Rita Scott said.

"We have 10 vendors today with room for 25. I'm confident as the season progresses, we'll fill up," she said.

Dianna Langdon of Well Bread Bakery and Teri Fermo of Bohemia are vendors with food made mostly with ingredients bought from market vendors, Scott said.

"I grind the grain myself for the 100 percent whole grain products that I bake," Langdon said.

Fermo said she lists the ingredients she uses for foods she prepares such as flatbread pizza, lasagna and lemon bars.

"We (vendors) all need to work together, to support each other," Fermo said.

Other early Pearl vendors provided grass-fed beef, pork and lamb, vegetables, flowers, pottery and handmade soap.

Riherd said the Owasso market also has more than produce.

"We'll have soap and natural-grown meats, but what we're really excited about are the plans in the works now for next year," she said.

"The city, in upgrading its parks, is talking with us about having the Owasso Farmers' Market in one of the parks. Nothing is set yet, but they're talking about adding a water park for the kids, bringing in chefs to talk about cooking different dishes and maybe even music entertainment."

Tulsa County market customers can feel safe about their purchases, Vogelpohl said. She said businesses are regulated by the Tulsa Health Department.

"It's basic cleanliness and common sense," she said. "Keep the veggies off the ground so a dog doesn't hike a leg on a watermelon."

Area farmers' markets

TULSA

OWASSO

COLLINSVILLE

JENKS