LaGRANGE — The Market on Jefferson farmers and craft bazaar has begun accepting credit, debit and electronic benefit transfer cards, according to the market’s organizers.

Ben Wheeler, a coordinator of the market, said he hopes the new system will encourage people to shop locally and enjoy the varied group of vendors who assemble on Saturdays between 9:30 a.m. and noon at Hillside Station at 625 Jefferson St. behind Mama Sherry’s restaurant.

“The (U.S. Department of Agriculture) actually has a program that works with farmers and farmers markets to accept plastic (cards),” he said. “They’ve done studies that show an increase of about 30 percent when vendors accept cards. Really, it’s about having that accessibility. … We don’t have an ATM near us, so this really helps.”

The Market on Jefferson, in its second year, attracts about 20 vendors weekly and runs Sept. 5 through Dec. 12.

“It’s very diverse,” Wheeler said. “I feel like it really showcases the diversity of Troup County, and that’s one of the cool things about it.”

Vendors sell items ranging from fresh produce to jams, jellies and keepsakes made from reclaimed wood, Wheeler said.

New vendors are being accepted, and those interested should contact Wheeler via email at hillsideneighbor@gmail.com or 706-298-0585.

The market is both indoor and outdoor and is open to the public. For more information, search Facebook for “Market on Jefferson.”