Panama City Farmers Market is competing for national recognition. How you can help.

PANAMA CITY — A local farmers market is working to make a name for itself among the best across the U.S.

For the first time in its three years, the Panama City Farmers Market is competing in the America's Farmers Market Celebration, an annual program that showcases more than 7,000 markets across the nation.

It includes a competition for cash prizes, publicity, and a chance to win the title of top farmers market in the country.

"It would mean a lot for us (to win)," said Bill Davenport, manager of the Panama City Farmers Market. "It would validate to the community that we have something special downtown."

Farmers markets:Nine markets in Bay and South Walton counties that you don't want to miss

From bicycle to food truck:Panama City Coffee Co. opens in Panama City Beach

Davenport noted the America's Farmers Market Celebration has been around for about 14 years and is overseen by the American Farmland Trust, a national organization that focuses on promoting holistic agriculture. 

According to the group's website, $10,000 in cash prizes will be doled out to the winners of this year's celebration. First place will get $5,000, second place will get $2,500, third place will get $1,500, fourth place will get $750 and fifth place will get $250. 

The money then will be used by winning markets to promote their brands. 

For Davenport, famers markets are important not only because they support small businesses, but because the majority of money spent at them goes back into the community. 

He noted only about 30 cents of every $1 spent at box stores stays in the community, compared with about 90 cents of every $1 spent at a farmers market. 

"You're supporting local by allowing local entrepreneurs to grow and prosper," Davenport said. "You're also investing into the local community because that money goes back to benefit all of us."

The Panama City Farmers Market occurs Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. off Harrison Avenue in Panama City. It gathers on average more than 80 vendors from within a 150-mile radius that sell a variety of items, including baked goods, meats and locally produced honey.

Voting for the 2022 America's Farmers Market Celebration ends Sept. 19. As of Monday afternoon, the local market ranked 20th in the nation, third in Florida and fifth in the Southeast U.S. 

Those interested in voting can do so through the Panama City Farmers Market's website or by visiting markets.farmland.org.

"If you want to come experience some authentic Panama City or authentic Florida Panhandle items, you definitely need to make a stop at the Panama City Farmers Market," Davenport said.