WESTPORT–The Westport Farmers Market will celebrate 20 years of offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses and more on Thursday with added activities, including a “passport” program and prizes for bringing sets of tote bags from previous years’ markets.

“This week’s Westport Farmers Market isn’t just another market day. It’s the actual anniversary — and we’re marking it by turning the spotlight on the people who built it,” market Executive Director Lori Cochran-Dougall said in an announcement. “We’ll be honoring our founders and the contributors who shaped this market over two decades, including the volunteers, vendors, and community members who have shown up year after year to make it what it is today.”

Here’s how the activities will work: 

• 20-Year Passport Program: Shoppers collect stamps as they shop and, after supporting eight vendors, they get to choose from a line-up of free items.

• Bag Collection Reveal: Do you have Friend of the Market tote bags that have been given out for 15 of the previous years? Shoppers with 10 bags receive a gift certificate to a farmer’s offerings at the market. Those with a complete set of 15 bags will receive Westport Farmers Market merchandise of their choice, a farmer gift certificate and a vendor gift certificate. 

Cochran-Dougall said the region is hitting its summer peak for what the market offers – another reason to visit on Thursday.

“This is the exact week Connecticut’s backyard barbecue season hits its stride, with tomatoes, corn, stone fruit and everything else home cooks need for a perfect summer table arriving at the market in full force,” she said in a release.

The market runs at 50 Imperial Ave. every Thursday through Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“As Executive Director for the past 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of building the market’s community programs from the ground up,” Cochran-Dougall said. “Watching this market grow into one of the strongest, most connected farmers market communities in the state has been the honor of my career. This week is as much a thank-you to the people who got us here as it is a celebration.”