Photo by Shelley Hanson Diem Potts, 9, and her mother Amanda Merinar of Glen Dale sell items from Diem’s shop called “Poppyseed Soaps” on Wednesday during the Farmers’ Market at the historic Cockayne Farmstead in Glen Dale.

GLEN DALE — The weekly Farmers’ Market at the historic Cockayne Farmstead opened Wednesday, bringing together local vendors offering handmade goods, food and plants on the grounds of the historic site.

The market is held from 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays beside the Cockayne House, 1111 Wheeling Ave., where large shade trees provide space for vendors and visitors.

Among those participating this week were 9-year-old Diem Potts of Glen Dale and her mother, Amanda Merinar, who sell products through Diem’s small business, Poppyseed Soaps. The business, named after the family’s pet cat, began last summer after Potts became interested in soapmaking.

She now produces soaps as well as toy dough, salt scrubs, lotion bars and lip balms, often experimenting with new scents and colors.

“I said, ‘Hey, can we start a new business in soaps?’ And she said it was a good idea,” Potts said.

Merinar said she is proud of her daughter’s enthusiasm and creativity.

“She gets up early on Saturdays to do the farmers’ market in Wheeling. She is very creative. She loves colors and all kinds of different things,” Merinar said.

Travis Schwing of Schwing’s Hollow View Farm in Moundsville also sold pasture-raised pork and eggs at the market. Schwing said the midweek timing and location make it convenient for local producers.

“It’s close to us and it’s not taking up a weekend. It’s right at the end of the day and it’s next to Route 2. There’s a lot of traffic in and out of here,” he said.

Schwing, a 2005 graduate of John Marshall High School, started his farm three years ago after serving in the U.S. Army.

Kara Gordon, site manager for the Cockayne Farmstead, said the market typically grows as the season continues.

“We hope people come and support the people who are doing these things locally,” Gordon said. “Because there is so little of it now and we want to help it grow.”

Gordon also displayed crocheted chickens and handmade dolls among other local artisan items at her table.