When Melissa Huck considers the inaugural summer of the Waterford FFA Alumni farmers market, "consistency" is the key word.

"By the end of the summer I noticed regular customers coming back looking for the same vendors," she said.

The alumni group's new venture, which started in June and wrapped up last week, drew an average of 12 vendors a week, selling fresh vegetables, sausage, baked goods and more. There were some handcrafts as well, although Huck, the group's president, said the market's main emphasis is on agriculture.

Huck said the Thursday afternoon market likely will return next year - at the same time (4 to 6 p.m) and in the same location (Waterford Elementary School's parking lot).

One of the regular vendors, Mary Campbell, with Campbell's Hog Farm in Waterford, will be back, too.

"I think it's a good thing, and I think it will grow," she said.

Campbell said the River City Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Marietta, also started out small.

"I know with farmers markets your first year is really a trial year until you get established," she said.

Like Huck, Campbell said she noticed repeat customers as the summer went on.

Huck said there probably will be some changes next year. The market likely will only run through August instead of September, she said, due to not having enough volunteers for the extra month. There may be a slight increase in the vendor fee for the entire year - it was $40 this year - but they will still have the option of paying weekly, she said.

Proceeds from the market go to support the Waterford FFA chapter. Huck said that with the help of some other fundraisers, the alumni group raised enough money to help send some children to an upcoming leadership conference.

Campbell said she believes the fact that the market benefits children in FFA is another factor that makes it attractive. So is the fact that the meat and produce are locally raised and grown.

"I think people in this day and age are just more conscientious about what they eat," Campbell said.

Huck said scheduling the market on Thursdays helps it fit in with the Marietta market (which also started a Tuesday component this year) and a Friday market in McConnelsville. That benefits customers and vendors, she said.

"We really don't want to compete with other farmers markets," Huck said.

The alumni group will start planning for next year's market in April and May, Huck said. Vendors - and of course customers - are welcome from anywhere, not just the Waterford area.