If you’re like me, right about this time of year, you’re longing for a local farmers market. Your food dreams are filled with memories of crisp salad greens, snappy string beans and juicy tomatoes that do more than suggest flavor and texture. And flowers – who doesn’t need a bouquet of wildflowers when the ground is topped with snow?

You’ll have to wait a while longer for those dreams to come true. But if you need a farmers market fix, members of the Orono Farmers’ Market zip up their parkas and strap on their balaclavas the first Saturday of each month to sell their wares 9 a.m.-noon in the downtown parking lot off Pine Street in Orono. Mark your calendar (and bring your canvas bags) for this Saturday, Feb. 10.

Don’t expect to find radishes or Swiss chard. This time of year, farmers bounties include pasture-raised pork, grass-fed beef and lamb, fresh chicken and eggs, smoked meats and organic gouda. Others show up with baked goods, jams, maple products and ready-to-eat (or take home) Asian dishes.

The hardy crowd comes from as far away as Appleton to sell from the backs of their trucks and Subarus. As with summer patrons, winter regulars bundle up, bring their children and even ride their bikes in search of locally produced food. Some even hang out to talk over coffee they’ve purchased at one of the Mill Street shops.

It may be cold outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. Bring small bills. Wear a hat. Try not to think about how cold you are. A final tip: Not all farmers arrive at 9 a.m. The 10-to-11 a.m. hour features the most choices.

For those who want to get a jump on preorders, visit www.appletoncreamery.com/OronoFarmersMarket/orono.html for a listing of participating farmers who will hold items for pickup on-site at the market. Through March 15, Orono Farmers’ Market is accepting applications for additional food vendors.