compiled by Lois Szymanski
Carroll County Farmers Markets
The opening of Carroll County’s 2024 farmers markets is one sign that spring has arrived. Six markets in the county feature fresh produce, dairy products, eggs, unique handmade crafts and gift items, local honey, jams, jellies and more. Opportunities to shop expand into the fall. Support local producers by shopping at a farmers market close to you. While visiting, you could catch live local entertainment or learn about nonprofit groups in your town. Before attending, check your market’s website or Facebook page for information and updates.
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CARROLL COUNTY FARMERS MARKETS
Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster • CarrollCountyFarmersMarket.com
The Carroll County Farmers Market is the county’s oldest farmers market and the second oldest in Maryland. Seventy-five to 100 vendors offer seasonal produce, local eggs, home-baked goods, gourmet foods, pasture-raised meats, handmade crafts and gifts, as well as house plants, outdoor plants and seasonal decorations. Look for hot breakfast and lunch items in the kitchen at every market. This year, the Spring Fling will be on April 20, and the Mother’s Day & Rhododendron Show will be held on May 11. All three spring markets will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Then, the summer season opens on June 15 and continues until Aug. 31, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fall Show will be held on Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Christmas Market runs for seven Saturdays beginning Nov. 2 through Dec. 14 and will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DOWNTOWN WESTMINSTER FARMERS MARKET
27 Railroad Ave., Westminster • DowntownWestminsterFarmersMarket.com
Founded in July 1994, the Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market offers 25 to 30 vendors.
The market is open every Saturday from May 18 through Nov. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. As one of the few dog-friendly markets in Carroll, the market also features a weekly nonprofit tent, live music and hot breakfast options. Look for local produce, meats, eggs, prepared foods, baked items, cheese, pet treats, local wine and spirits, artisan merchandise, flowers and more.
HAMPSTEAD FARMERS MARKET
1400 Panther Drive, Hampstead • HampsteadFarmersMarket.com
Opening June 1 and running through Sept. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, the market offers local produce, meats, live crabs, soft-shell crabs, cheeses, fresh eggs, breads, fresh-cut flowers, candy, bakery items and more. Craft vendors will have jewelry, soaps, reclaimed furniture, pottery and hand-sewn items. New this year, look for fresh bison meat, including ground hamburger and cuts of steaks, as well as smoothies. Breakfast and lunch options are available from local nonprofit groups as part of their fundraising. Enjoy live local music every Saturday in the “Music at the Market” area, which has plenty of seating.
MOUNT AIRY FARMERS MARKET
Watkins Park, 615 Center St., Mount Airy • MountAiryMD.gov
The Mount Airy Farmers Market (formerly Mount Airy Downtown Farmers Market) runs every Wednesday from late spring to fall. The 2024 market will open on June 5 and run through Sept. 25 from 3 to 7 p.m. Look for more than two dozen local and regional full- and part-time vendors each week featuring various produce and products as well as tables with area nonprofits and educational programming.
SYKESVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Baldwin Drive and Main Street, Sykesville • DowntownSykesville.com
The Sykesville Farmers Market hosts 45 to 60 vendors each Sunday starting May 21 through Oct. 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Look for vendors offering local produce, herbs, olives, meats, baked goods and more. The market also has a nonprofit showcase for local charitable organizations and a Junior Market, with free, family-friendly activities offered weekly.
TANEYTOWN FARMERS MARKET
Parking lot of Thunderhead Bowl & Grill, 4337 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown • Facebook.com/TaneytownFarmersMarket
The Taneytown Farmers Market kicks off on Saturday, May 11, and ends on Saturday, Nov. 2. The market is open rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs, flowers, plants, honey, homemade jams and jellies, pickles, salsa, baked goods and crafts. Come for breakfast, too; food is available at 8 a.m.
