Once a week the country air blows through downtown State College, bringing the scents of fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers and baked goods.

The Farmer's Market located on Locust Lane between Beaver and College Avenues, is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every Friday from mid-June until the first week of November. Twenty-eight vendors participate, each of whom locally grow their own produce.

Seniority rules over the strategic placement of the vendors for the 28 open spots on Locust Lane -- meaning that the vendors who have participated the longest get to have the most desirable spots at the bottom of Locust Lane and College Avenue. Sellers in this position are at an advantage due to the high traffic of students on College Avenue.

Some newer vendors are unhappy with their locations.

"At this market the number of years you participate gives you the choice of location. It's a little like monopoly," said Rob Haney of Long Lane Farm.

Street positions are assigned at a meeting in early June. A list of alternate vendors is made to replace those who leave for any reason.

Herbalist Jennifer Chesworth of Sombra Buena Coffee Company is a first-year member of the market. She was notified of her position in late May, and she isn't happy with it.

"I could have prepared with more time," Chesworth said. "I'm in the sun, and I have a crappy position."

Chuck Mothersbaugh of Mothersbaugh Farm is one of the happier vendors due in part to his corner spot.

"I think all the spots are good. I obviously have traffic from two sides yet I'm finding that all the vendors have an equally good opportunity," he said.

Mothersbaugh, a participant since 1977, was one of the original members of the market when it was located across from the Nittany Mall. The market has moved twice, in 1989 to McAllister Street and in 1990 to its present-day home on Locust Lane.

Scott and Eda Case of Patchwork Farm, who have been a part of the market for 27 years, occupy the other coveted corner spot.

"There's a certain clientele that comes every week, and then there's people that walk by and buy a tomato," Scott Case said. "Perhaps corner spots give you the advantage there."

First-year member of the market Janet Robinson of The Piper's Peck said she does not have a problem with the seniority-based system.

"You move up," she said. "Lots of people come through, and it's a nice atmosphere. I'm glad to be a part of it."