WASHINGTON -- Black Locust Farm goats will provide the cashmere sold at the grand opening of the Washington Village farmers' market Saturday.

Yvonne and Lance Taylor have been raising goats and gathering cashmere for more than 20 years. They have a 75-head herd of cashmere goats on their 100-acre farm in Washington.

Yvonne Taylor said the local farm market provides a good opportunity to promote goat products.

"I would like to increase awareness of the health aspect of goat's meat, that's one thing. And of course I want to spread information about the cashmere and that we are producing it in Maine and that it comes from goats. A lot of people don't know that."

All things goats include chevron, or meat; cheese; milk; pelts; handmade soap and cashmere yarn.

Hand-knit and felted items of wool also will be available, as well as natural skin creams and lotions.

A free perennial plant will be given to each customer that makes a purchase at the farmers' market, according to Sharon Spiral Turner, one of the market organizers.

The market is located at the Evening Star Grange Hall parking lot across from Gibbs Library on Old Union Road.

"We're very excited," said Turner, who will be donating perennials from her garden. "Interest in the market is growing, so this year we have a larger number of local vendors."

The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday through October.

Organic herbs, vegetables and flower seedlings, eggs from cage-free chickens, grass-fed beef, and fruit and berry pies will be on sale.

Natal Ann Gardner of Golden Apple Pottery will be selling her pottery and other hand-crafted items.

Market vendors all pledged to use only humane, socially just, ecologically sound and sustainable practices using natural and organic methods, Turner said.

"The quality of the products is outstanding," she said. "Each week, the market plans to have a special guest vendor."

Camden-Rockport Animal Rescue will be on hand on May 17.

Throughout the summer, the Mid-Coast Audubon Society will be selling bird houses. There will be maple syrup producers, an outdoor furniture artisan and a hooked-rug crafter.

Grange Hall members will provide free coffee for the opening this Saturday and will offer lunches to purchase every week.

People interested in becoming vendors can call Turner at 845-2140.

Mechele Cooper -- 623-3811, Ext. 408

mcooper@centralmaine.com