When one thinks of farmers markets, fresh vegetables, local honey, and organic products come to mind. Padanaram’s first farmers market of the season included everything from crocheted hats to seasonal barbecue sauces.

Vendors from all over the South Coast gathered at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on June 3 for the eleventh season opening, including Ryan Nahas of No Joke Smoke BBQ.

After attending several farmers markets and finding that no one was producing or selling locally-made, organic barbecue sauce, Nahas teamed up with his wife, Sharon, and the Dartmouth Grange Kitchen to fill the gap and try his hand at the barbecue business.

“No one else is doing it,” said Nahas.

Nahas’ passion for barbecue sauce stemmed not from his 20 years of food experience, but from his days as a bartender. His love of mixing beverages and balancing flavors translated to creating sauces.

Now in their second season with 14 different flavors under their belt—from signature flavors like “Saweet Heat” to the seasonal “Pineapple Bomb”—No Joke Smoke BBQ has established itself in the local farmers market scene.

“We do everything we can as a small business to touch all the small towns in our area,” Nahas said.

The St. Peter’s farmers market will be open every Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. until Sept. 30.