Farmers market, music, art and ladybugs will be the mix April 20 for the third annual Spring Festival at the Brownwood Area Community Garden. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free.

Brown County Farmers Market kicks off its 2013 season at the Spring Festival this year, offering fresh, naturally grown produce, as well as plants, crafts and other offerings. Beginning April 27, the Market will open each Saturday at 9 a.m. at its new location on the County Courthouse Square, corner of Fisk and Broadway South.

Festival goers can enjoy the offerings of a Garden Store with a unique mix of indoor and outdoor items, and garden-themed door prizes will be given away at 10:30, 11:30 and 12:30.

Also on the slate of activities for the Community Garden’s Spring Festival is a Rain Barrel program at 10:30 a.m., sponsored by Brown County Master Gardeners Association. Fifty-five gallon barrels plumbed and ready for installation will be for sale to those who attend the program for $50 each.

This year’s Festival will also feature the work of various artists from the Brownwood Art Association. The Garden had a bumper crop of gourds last year and area artists are turning them into works of art that will be offered to Festival goers.

A “Ladybug Flyaway” is scheduled for 12 noon. Thousands of ladybug beetles will be released into the Garden for a summer of insect control and pollination. Children attending the Festival can participate in the Flyaway.

Live music will be provided by the local group Sun Duo and others. Brisket sandwiches, tacos, baked goods and drinks will also be available at family-friendly prices.

Admission to the Brownwood Area Community Garden’s Spring Festival is free, and parking is available at the Salvation Army building at 403 Lakeview Drive, between Commerce St. and Belle Plain Ave. Limited handicapped-only parking is available behind the Central Texas Opportunities office at 1500 Dublin St.

Brownwood Area Community Garden was established in 2009 to provide fresh, naturally grown produce to area food pantries to feed the hungry. The Garden’s secondary purpose is to provide space for residents who wish to garden according to natural methods; to provide a venue for education on sustainable gardening practices; and to provide employment and on-the-job training opportunities for low-income workers.

To date, the Community Garden has donated more than 5,000 pounds of fresh produce. For further information, call Mary Green Engle, 325-784-8453, or Daniel Graham, 325-641-9029.

Pictured – Kids gather around garden coordinator Daniel Graham to help release thousands of ladybugs at the 2012 “Ladybug Flyaway” at the Brownwood Area Community Garden’s 2012 Spring Festival