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VALLEY — One of the bigger annual promotions of the Valley Farmers Market will be taking place this Friday. It will be Free Tomato Sandwich Day, something that pre-dates the local farmers market.

Evan and Jeanette Mason started it at The Village Curb Market years ago and that tradition continues today through Valley Farmers Market.

Valley Parks and Recreation Director Laurie Blount said that anywhere from eight to 10 Alabama farmers have been bringing fresh-picked fruits and vegetables to the market for the 3-6 p.m. EDT Friday sessions. Four of the farmers will be providing the tomatoes for the sandwiches and the city the will bring the bread and mayonnaise.

Blount said that precautions are being taken to keep everyone safe. There’s ample social distancing, and hand sanitizer is available for anyone who wants to use it. Due to a recent order by Gov. Kay Ivey, people will need to wear a mask or face covering.

Volunteers making the sandwiches will be wearing gloves, and each completed sandwich will be placed in a ziplock bag.

Among those making the sandwiches will be Valley Police Chief Tommy Weldon, former Council Member Ray Edwards, Sheriff Sid Lockhart, Major T.J. Wood and School Resource Officer Sandra Crim.

“Everyone is welcome to attend, just remember to have a mask and to social distance,” Blount said. “We are asking people to stay behind the social distancing lines when they are lined up at a booth. Some people have umbrellas with them to shade from the sun.”

Blount said it’s not a bad idea to come around 4 or 5 p.m.

“We usually have a big turnout when we open, but it tapers off from there,” she said. “Those who get there around 4 or 5 usually won’t have to wait in line.”