The Cape Girardeau Farmers Market will open its 17th season May 2.

The weekly market operates from May through October from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at the Plaza Galleria parking lot.

Items offered for sale have been grown or produced within a 75-mile radius of Cape Girardeau, in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Among products available for the first 2002 market will be lettuce, asparagus, onions, radishes, rhubarb, herbs, flowers and bedding plants.

During the growing season, there will be a wide variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers and baked goods, said Marilyn Peters, president of the market.