The approach of opening day for any season comes with a tingle of excitement and anticipation.

And Matt Van Schyndel feels it. Phone calls and emails started coming in weeks in advance.

“It’s been every day — it’s crazy,” he said.

Baseball season? No. Fantasy baseball leagues? Not even close. Van Schyndel is owner of Hedge Holler Harvest and president of the Mexico Farmers Market, which opens today in the Orscheln Farm & Home parking lot for its season-long run.

And there is reason to expect a big year.

This week Van Schyndel and other farmers market volunteers met and approved six new vendors. The organization has a website up and running. They’ve added a second day to the weekly schedule. And beginning in May, the last Saturday of each month will be dubbed “Super Saturday.”

“We’re really trying to push the limits, to go to the next level,” Van Schyndel said.

The market will be open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and again on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Van Schyndel notes that the Wednesday lineup of vendors may be smaller, but it gives people who miss out on Saturday an opportunity to catch up.

Super Saturdays will add crafters to the mix of artisanal meats, produce and other foods – a first for the market.

“That allows us to give back to the community both ways,” he pointed out.

They are considering a permanent home — their own building with plenty of parking — but are settled at Orscheln for the season. Having a set location is another boon for a market that has bounced around in previous years.

New vendors for 2021 include one that produces local honey, an orchard, a new source for produce and Hummingbird Vineyard & Winery.

Van Schyndel says that because these vendors were added this week, they might not make an appearance on opening day. He also said it’s a bit early in the season for most produce, but Hedge Holler is bringing lettuce and spinach.

“And we’ll have most of the meat covered,” he added.

The regular vendors will have beef, lamb, goat and chicken. There are two farm fresh egg vendors, and both bought more laying hens over the winter to account for demand. Both sold out early on several occasions last year.

Van Schyndel expects to see plenty of baked goods today, as well.

“I’m hearing list after list of pies, cookies, breads, cakes — it’s amazing,” he said.