BRIDGEWATER - Organizers of this town's seasonal farmers' market need more vendors to ensure its survival.

 "We need to find more to really make it sustainable because we have expenses related to it," market president Mary Dixon said recently.

 The summer market, which sets up Saturdays in a vacant lot off south King Street, ended 2011 with five to six core vendors, many of which sell baked goods.

 Ms Dixon said some vendors committed to other markets in Lunenburg and Hubbards. The worry is that Bridgewater may not be the town where such a market can thrive.

 The Bridgewater market is looking for producers who make, bake, grow or fish their wares as opposed to secondary resellers that could be found at a flea market. Specifically, organizers want to see organic or pesticide-free produce, artisan breads and baked goods, cheese, chicken, seafood, honey, gourmet condiments, fresh flowers and plants.

 Ms Dixon said the town's market is focusing largely on food as it feels that's what keeps customers coming back.

 "It would be good to have more veggie producers and people doing alternative produce and stuff like that," she said.

 Vendors doing ready-to-eat food that can be consumed on-site or taken home would also be considered.

 The market issued its plea for help on its page on a social networking website and more information about the market can also be found on http://www.bridgewaterfarmersmarket.ca on the internet.

 Potential sellers will be asked to fill out paperwork explaining who they are and what they intend to sell. The market's board of directors decides whether or not the application meets the need. There's an annual membership and weekly table fee. Ms Dixon hopes vendors can commit for the 2012 season.

 "If we're spotty in our attendance then the customers give up on us," she said.

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 Markets such as Bridgewater's give the public a chance to meet and ask questions of the people behind the goods being sold.

 Ms Dixon also said it benefits small farms and the local economy.

 "Farmers' markets are a chance to buy local, buy food products as fresh as they can possibly be."

posted on 01/18/12