FOLEY, Ala. — More than 250 visitors descended on the new Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market in Foley for its grand opening Tuesday.

The facility launched with 27 vendors filling all but three available booths in the new structure, which is situated on County Road 20 next to Wolf Bay Lodge.

While the market officially opened at 3 p.m. Tuesday, eager customers began wandering in as early as 1:30. By the 4 p.m. ribbon cutting with South Baldwin Chambe3r of Commerce, the crowd was thick with visitors shopping for local organic beef, honey, seafood, soft pretzels and vegetables, among other items.

With Tuesday’s launch, the market will be open three days per week. The fall season will last into November.

As previously reported, construction on the facility started in July in the midst of prolonged unseasonal rain. A large protion of the $750,000-$900,000 project is funded by B.P. as part of the Deepwater Horizon settlement.

The main portion of the market is completed, except for a few tweaks. Then additional features will be added nearby.

“This is the hub,” Market Manager Heather Pritchard.

During Monday’s City Council Foley Cooperative District meetings, Pritchard and City Economic Development Director Jeff Rouzie explained that the next step is to transform the nearby metal building into a structure that would house three booths and an area for hydroponics.

But if the first day’s crowd is any indication, the market is already a hit.

“I think it’s exactly what they anticipated,” said Myles Bishop, who oversaw construction.

Pritchard echoed that sentiment.

“I think it’s absolutely great,” she said.

“We’ve got a good crowd,” Rouzie agreed.

That crowd was helping itself to items from farmers and producers from South Baldwin, Pensacola, Bayou Le Batre and North Baldwin County, Pritchard said.

The shopping experience was fortified with electrified lights, vending machines, restrooms and game tables ready visitors to play Checkers.

“They were provided by Hollis Interiors,” Pritchard said.

Foley Councilwoman Vera Quaites pointed to the health benefit the market offers.

“I think it’s absolutely wonderful for the citizens to get fresh food and to eat healthy,” she said.

For customer James Baker, it’s a welcome addition to the area.

“I’ve been looking forward to this,’ he said.

To Foley Mayor John Koniar, that comes as no surprise.

“People have been more excited about this than anything we’ve done,” he said.

Don Wombles of Alabama Farmer’s Authory said the market is exactly what he had in mind.

“It’s meeting my expectations,” he said.

For more information, visit CoastalAlabamaMarket.com.