Fresh summer tomatoes will take center stage this afternoon as the Athens Farmers Market hosts its annual Tomato Tuesday, offering free tomato sandwiches while supplies last.

The event begins at 3 p.m. at the Green Street Pavilion, 409 Green St., and runs until the sandwiches are gone. The weekly farmers market will continue to 6 p.m., featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and handcrafted items from North Alabama vendors.

A Southern summertime staple, the classic tomato sandwich keeps things simple: thick slices of ripe, vine-ripened tomatoes layered between soft white bread with a generous spread of mayonnaise, then finished with salt and black pepper. For many Southerners, it’s considered one of the season’s signature comfort foods.

The Athens Farmers Market, operated by Athens Main Street, is celebrating its 40th season this year. As an Alabama Certified Farmers Market, all produce and products sold at the market are sourced from North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley.

Organizers encourage visitors to arrive early, as the complimentary tomato sandwiches are available only while supplies last.

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