After years of dreaming and months of planning, the Sebastopol Certified Farmers Market is launching a second day, a Thursday evening market in the town plaza.

The new market will operate from 5 to 7:30 p.m. through October 31.

The goal of the market is two-fold. First, management has long wanted to offer west county residents a mid-week opportunity to restock seasonal fruits and vegetables. And because the Sunday market is limited to the number of vendors who fit in the plaza and surrounding parking lot, there are vendors who have wanted to attend who can’t. This market will offer those vendors the first opportunity to join.

As of press time, all vendors had not yet confirmed. Even so, there’s great diversity so far. Felton Acres, which has eggs, chicken, lamb and pork, will be attending with their grass-fed and pastured raised foods.

Beet Generation Farm will be there, too. The farm, a project of Libby Batzel and Ali Levesque, has a diverse and delicious harvest that is always evolving. Recently, they’ve added fresh juices to their offerings, which last year included grilled-on-the-spot Padron and Shishito peppers, in addition to tomatoes galore, melons, turnips, zucchini, lettuce and so much more. And if you want inspiration, these are the farmers to provide it; a brief conversation will make you want to head home and start digging.

Shirham Farm, located on Occidental Rd. near Ma and Pa’s Garden in Sebastopol, will attend with summer vegetables.

Nightingale Breads of Forestville plans to attend and Viva Mexicana, which is under new ownership, will offer fresh salsas.

There will be a fresh berry vendor, as well, and a masseuse.

Opening day will feature 10 to 12 vendors, a number that will increase as the market progresses.

Music will be a big part of the evening, as well. The opening week the theme wass African music, with Drum Call West, Ambuya and others, including dancers.

This new market increases the number of local market days each week to about 28, with markets taking place every day but Monday. There’s no reason not to enjoy the luscious bounty of our summer harvest as it glides into the fall.

The Sebastopol Certified Farmers Market on Thursday evening, founded in 2013 and managed by Paula Downing, takes place in the town plaza at McKinley and Petaluma Avenues, on from 5 to 7:30 p.m. through October 31.