By LEONARD GRAY

Managing Editor

LULING — The German Coast Farmers’ Market will open a second Market to be located on the West Bank on July 5, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m.

Parish President Albert Laque and other Parish officials will be on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new market will be held every Wednesday from 4-8 p.m., in the parking lot of Dougie V’s Restaurant, 13899 River Road in Luling. A second market, joining the East Bank market at Ormond Plantation, was added in order to make it as convenient as possible for all to attend.

The Saturday Market, which began in May of 2003, will continue at Ormond Plantation, 13786 River Road in Destrehan, from 8 a.m. until noon.

In keeping with German tradition, Dougie V will provide an indoor Biergarten and the Market will be offering a &#8220Green Plate Special,” consisting this first week of pecan-crusted catfish, green beans and bacon mashed potatoes.

&#8220Working moms will be able to stop off and pick up evening meals,” said Market Coordinator Wayne Andrus.

A new and different special will be offered each week using produce and products from the Market.

David Haydel, who is a direct descendant of early German Coast settlers, will provide music.

The German Coast Farmers’ Market Mission Statement reads, &#8220Farmers’ Market will serve as a community gathering place, tourist destination, and a market for a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers and other value-added items in the Parish of St. Charles.”

The German Coast is one of the oldest settlements in Louisiana. Some of the earliest settlers’ descendants continue to farm and provide produce for the community. Other continuing traditions are music, gardening, cooking, pumpkin carving and painting, needle art and the Oktoberfest.

In spite of the drought this year, the produce has been plentiful, according to Andrus. In addition, a wide variety of meats and seafood will be offered, as well as Italian breads and pastries, wine and jellies, Hispanic specialties and cheeses.

Other specialty items include soy candles and goats’ milk soaps.

The Market is sponsored by grants from the Parish President and Parish Council through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Ormond Plantation, Dougie V’s, River Region Arts and Humanities Council, St. Charles Historical Foundation, St. Charles Women’s Club, Valero, Seedlings and the Greater New Orleans Foundation.

The German Coast Farmers’ Market is a non-profit organization, operated by a volunteer board and established to encourage the ability of farmers and small vendors to reach the public directly with the freshest of produce and home grown and produced products.

For information contact Andrus at 985-758-2593 or wandrus@bellsouth.net. Visit the Market website at www:GermanCoastFarmersMarket.org.