The opening of the USDA Farmers Market on Friday will feature a “Barbecue Battle” among four military chefs. From left, Army Sgt. Monique Sorrell, Marine Sgt. Joseph Hale, Air Force Staff Sgt. Tasha N. Goodrich, and Navy Culinary Specialist First Class George Arters. (USDA)

The opening of the USDA Farmers’ Market for the season on Friday will feature a barbecue battle featuring military chefs from the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.

The ceremony and chefs’ battle begins at 9:30 a.m.

Agriculture Marketing Service Administrator Anne Alonzo and USDA Assistant Secretary for Administration Gregory Parham will preside, and there will be several celebrity judges including Eric Ziebold of CityZen and Chef Art Smith of DC’s Art and Soul.

Other attractions include live music from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, interactive exhibits from the Veteran Farmer Coalition and the Welcome Home Garden project and gardening activities with 4-H Operation: Military Kids, that are free for the whole family.

Smith will hold a book signing from noon to 1 p.m.

The outdoor USDA Farmers Market is held at 12th and Independence Avenue SW (Smithsonian Metro-USDA entrance). It will be open every Friday from June 6 to November 21 (except July 4), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The opening ceremony is open the public, but in the event of inclement weather it will be rescheduled, and a notice will be posted on the USDA Farmers Market website by 7 a.m. Friday.

▪ USDA Farmers Market