PHOTOS: Farmers Market Kicks Off at the Avenue
Sellers held their first farmers market of the season on Friday morning.
Photos
Janelle Vane of Wilson's Farm Market knows her fruit.
"It may look like a strawberry, but it doesn't taste like a strawberry if it was picked before it was ripe and shipped in from California," Vane said from behind her foldable table in a parking lot outside The Avenue at White Marsh.
Friday morning marked the shopping center's first farmers market of the season, which Vane assists in organizing.
"Everything you see here is considered tree-ripened. It's going to be sweet delicious, and kids are going to be turned on to them because they taste good," she added.
Daniel Shumaker and his 9-year-old daughter Kalin arrived at the market in the afternoon.
"We just saw the sign and decided to check it out," Daniel Shumaker. "I'd like to come to more of these."
His daughter agreed. "I like to get nice, fresh food. The workers were very nice and kind to us," she said.
Sellers at the kick-off market included Bees by the Bay, Deep Run Farms, Hills Forest Fruit Farm and Wilson’s Farm Market. At least three more vendors are expected later on in the season, each Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. through October.
Greg Horner of Deep Run Farms is participating for the first time this year.
"We nearly sold out today," he said. "We're definitely coming back."
In addition to freshness, flavor and environmental benefits, Vane said the market plays an important economic role.
"It's a huge part of our livelihood, selling direct," she said. "Without farmers markets we'd probably all struggle a lot more than we do already."
Tell us where you go for farm goods and fresh produce in the comments.
Renee
10:23 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012
I love the farmers market at the Avenue. It's a shame that it keeps getting smaller and smaller. I'm hoping they have more 'vendors' there this year!
Rose
7:54 am on Saturday, July 7, 2012
I've been going to Richardson's since they say they use Maryland farmers. But, I'll definitely check this out next week.
Steve Redmer
8:54 am on Saturday, July 7, 2012
LOVE Richardson's, just went there for the first time the other day .... great stuff, and the prices were great too!!!
Steve Redmer
8:57 am on Saturday, July 7, 2012
Just saw the picture of Jim and Pat Roberts....I used to work with Jim, he is a great man! and he sells a GREAT product....The Honey that him and his wife (Bees by the Bay) produce is the best I have ever tasted, If you see them there in the future, treat yourself....you won't be disappointed!!!
Voter
9:38 am on Saturday, July 7, 2012
It would be really nice if they held this on a Saturday instead, when more people could attend.
I'd love to go, but I work during the day.
B
8:53 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
I agree. I use to go to the one in Towson with my mother all the time when I was younger and would like to go to this one. However I work.
Cathy
9:39 am on Saturday, July 7, 2012
You said how nice the Farmers Market is buy not the location and the hours they are open. Please give us the info.....
Lisa Geiger
10:16 am on Saturday, July 7, 2012
The Market is open every Friday, 10am - 1pm and is located behind A.C. Moore at THE AVENUE at White Marsh. While we would love to offer the market on Saturday - most local farmers currently participate in much bigger/well established markets in Maryland on Saturdays. We continuously work to find additional vendors to add to the market in keeping with our goal to offer locally grown or produced products to the community. Local producers interested in participating can contact me at lgeiger@federalrealty.com. Many thanks Emily for sharing information about the market.
Mary Smith
10:08 pm on Saturday, July 7, 2012
Bartenfellder's has the freshest produce and the best prices in the area! They are located on Ridge Road. No place in the area offers better produce or service.
Voter
11:06 am on Monday, July 9, 2012
Huber's Produce stand at the Corner of Belair Road and Mt. Vista offer great, fresh Fruits, veggies, Corn AND flowers. Nice people too !
I understand it is a cousin who has the Huber's stand at the corner of Philadelphia & Raphel Roads.