Early morning is a favorite shopping time for customers at farmer’s markets and roadside stands. Many shoppers carry on this tradition at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market, where they beat the heat and get the best selection of fresh produce by stopping by early.

One recent early-morning visitor was Chet Crowley, a longtime customer at the market. He arrived in search of ripe tomatoes and blueberries.

“I try to visit open markets early,” he explained. “I like to have good selection, but with your tomato tables and baskets, I don’t think I have to rush. With all of these tomatoes, I will have no problem making my selections.”

As his hands filled with the morning’s selections, Mr. Crowley looked forward to sharing the produce with his wife.