Shoppers hip to the glory of area Farmer's Markets in Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Howard County can begin making their lists.
The 33rd annual Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar opens for the season on Sunday, May 2. At 7am, patrons can shop early for the region's freshest produce, poultry, meats, seafood, spices, baked goods, preserves, fresh flowers, plants and more. The bazaar returns with unique crafts and collectibles including fashion accessories, home d�cor items and other one-of-a-kind artworks. The festivities start with a live performance by the Baltimore Islanders Steel Band from 9am-noon. On opening day, the market will have a large selection of plants and flowers. Those with a green thumb or aspiring gardeners can get expert advice on planting and growing herbs from the Baltimore City Master Gardeners, trained volunteers of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar, located on Saratoga Street between Holliday and Gay streets under the Jones Falls Expressway, is open every Sunday from May 2 through December 19 from 7am until sell out, approximately noon.
New to the market this year is an assortment of vendors including Banksy's Caf�, a local restaurant offering vegetarian burgers and salads; Wheely Good Smoothies that sells drinks powered by a bicycle; and Many Rocks Farm, which specializes in various cuts of goat meat. Shoppers can purchase fresh foods directly from regional farmers. Throughout the season, top concessionaires offer great deals on crisp fruits and vegetables, fish, pork, beef, baked breads and pastries, jams and jellies, salsas, dairy and nut products, flavorful herbs, and multicultural foods including Asian, Caribbean, Indian and Spanish cuisines. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar will be at full capacity by the end of June.
Baltimore County kicks off its growing season markets in Towson at Kenilworth on May 5, in Catonsville on May 6 and in Owings Mills on May 17. Markets in Dundalk Village, East Point, White Marsh, other Towson locations, Pikesville, Randallstown and Woodlawn open in June and July.
Howard County Farmers' Markets get under way starting May 6 when the first of five area markets opens at East Columbia Library in Columbia. On May 8, Glenwood Library joins the fresh produce party with the Oakland Mills market opening one day later on May 9. Featuring the season's freshest, locally grown produce, baked goods, fruits of the season, flowers, transplants, and organically grown produce and specialty items, these markets draw vendors and patrons from all over the region. Introducing two new locations, the 2010 Farmers' Market schedule offers Howard County new ways to buy local and eat fresh. The remaining two markets, at Miller Library and Howard County General Hospital, will open on June 2 and June 4, respecitvely.
Writer: Walaika Haskins