Offering Woodlands consumers a break from their traditional grocery shopping experience, The Grogan's Mill Farmers Market is quickly becoming one of the most distinctive ongoing events in the community.

Now in its fifth year, the farmers market is held from 8 a.m. to noon each Saturday at the Grogan's Mill Village Center parking lot and features dozens of local merchants selling everything from handmade soap to grass-fed beef.

Dana Denton, chairwoman of the Farmers Market Committee, said the market originally was held only for about two or three months each during the fall and spring season, but vendor and customer demand increased.

"We were hearing it from two sides, from our customers, who were coming in Saturday mornings, and from our vendors, who asked that we stay open all year," she said.

The market's vendors offer items such as gourmet coffees, tamales, bakery-fresh breads and sweets, local honey and fresh fruits and vegetables grown on area farms.

Denton said the fresh produce available at the market varies, depending on the season. But she said all produce is grown in Texas.

The farmers market is put on each week by the Grogan's Mill Village Association, a group of Grogan's Mill residents who serve as community liaisons to The Woodlands Township and put on village events. The proceeds raised from each week's markets benefit the Village Association's philanthropical endeavors, such as student scholarships.