Downtown Fort Dodge will be abuzz with activity Saturday.
The first 2012 Market on Central will kick off at 8 a.m. on Central Avenue.
A Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance ribbon-cutting will open the event, which will also feature horse drawn carriage rides and appearances from several re-enactors participating in the Oakland Cemetery Walk.
Throughout the summer, Market on Central will bring entertainment and sellers of various products to an open-air market setting.
More than 40 vendors will offer a wide variety of items, including wine, baked goods and household decorations.
Several vendors will be making their first appearance at Market on Central this year, including Creative Cookies & Cakes by Starla.
"This is my first time participating in any outdoor market," said Starla Brandt, owner of the Webster City-based business.
Positive word of mouth from last year's Market on Central led her to give it a try, Brandt said.
"I've heard good things, so I thought I'd try it," she said.
Launched last year, Market on Central is touted as "Fort Dodge's newest tradition" by Cheryl O'Hern, chairwoman of the Market on Central Committee.
According to O'Hern, Market on Central 2012 has doubled in size over 2011.
"You'll be amazed at how many vendors are coming from all over the state," she said.
Saturday's event will be the first of eight held through the end of September. Future Market days are June 23, July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25, Sept. 8 and Sept. 22.