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QUINCY, ILL. -- The 2012 Quincy Farmer's Market season officially began Tuesday morning.

This is the 30th year farmers have brought their crops to sell.

"It's awesome seeing it on TV what my grandpa did. I feel accomplished just for him. And I know if he were here, he'd feel just as accomplished," James Whelan said.

Joe Dieker passed away 3 years ago but his legend in Quincy lives on.

"After he retired, he wanted to start a locally grown business down here. He started the Farmer's Market and whenever he started, there were only like 7 vendors and the most I can remember was 33 on one Saturday which is pretty awesome," Whelan said.

James Whelan says he's been coming to the Farmer's Market with his grandpa and mom for as long as he can remember. This year, he brought lettuce, rhubarb, carrots and more ... But he's looking most forward to the summer crops.

"Peaches of course around July that's the main thing my grandpa and I did -- that's the main thing I remember. It's actually going to be early this year. Probably early June," Whelan said.

And for James, he's learned more than just how to grow and tend to his crops ...

"I enjoy it. It's what my grandpa did. I learned so many things with him. Just to be a gentleman to the customers, count back money, a lot of people don't know that. It's just, I'm feel like I'm taking him on, I'm furthering his accomplishment," Whalen said.

The Farmer's Market is held in Washington Park every Tuesday and Saturday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m.

If you're interested in being a vendor you can still buy a booth for this year.

Just log on to the Historic Quincy Business District website and fill out an application.