High school robotics students are setting up shop alongside the produce vendors at Waterside Place on Sunday, Oct. 18.

The BotTanks, a local FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) team, are partnering with other STEM organizations to run hands-on activities for school-aged children at the Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market, WWSB reported. The team's high school members will be on hand to walk kids through the activities and talk about their work in competitive robotics.

FTC is a program for students in grades 7 through 12. Teams design and build robots each season to compete in a game released every September, according to FIRST, the organization behind the program. Beyond competition, students practice engineering, engage in community outreach and build confidence.

The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1651 Lakefront Drive. Musician Jesse Daniels, who plays country, rock and soul, is the day's live performer.

Weather should cooperate, mostly. WWSB meteorologist Mike Modrick forecast sunny skies and a high near 80 degrees for Sunday, though northeast winds could gust between 20 and 30 mph.

The weekly market typically features more than 100 vendors selling organic produce, flowers, specialty spices, honey, fresh bread, baked goods, prepared foods, pet products and jewelry, according to an Oct. 6 Tampa Bay Beacons listing. A Kids' Zone offers activities for younger visitors each week.

The market has become a draw for families across the community. "It's exciting and something to look forward to, to see everyone," Jorge Valdes said in a September Your Observer profile of the market. "It's a good hangout and we like all the small businesses." Valdes brings his wife Anna and 1-year-old daughter Hazel to the market regularly.

The Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market runs every Sunday at Waterside Place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Upcoming in Lakewood Ranch

  • Monday, Oct. 19: Early voting sites open across Lakewood Ranch.
  • Sundays: Lakewood Ranch Farmers Market at Waterside Place, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.