by Heather Morris

The farmers’ markets in Carroll County are gearing up for another great season for 2023! Located throughout the county, each market is unique and has a little something for everyone. From fresh local produce, meats, dairy products, and baked goods to handmade crafts, live entertainment and more, the markets are a great way to support local businesses, purchase delicious and fresh food, and be a part of the community each week. Be sure to check each market’s website or Facebook page for additional information and updates.

Carroll County Farmers’ Market

The Carroll County Farmers’ Market has 75-100 vendors selling seasonal produce, home-baked goods, gourmet foods, local eggs, pasture-raised meats, handmade crafts, house plants, seasonal plants and decorations. Hot breakfast and lunch options are also available. This year, the Spring Fling will be held on March 18. The Easter Show will be held on April 8, and the Mother’s Day Show will be held on May 13. All three Spring Markets will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The summer season opens June 17 and continues until Sept. 2, every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Fall Show will be held on Oct. 7 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Christmas Market will run for seven Saturdays beginning Nov. 4 and running through Dec. 16, and will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Carroll County Agriculture Center, Westminster • www.carrollcountyfarmersmarket.com

Carroll Hospital Farmers’ Market

Carroll Hospital Farmers’ Market is run through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County. The market will run every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from June 1 through Aug. 31, on the third floor of the Carroll Hospital parking garage. Vendors will be offering fresh local produce, baked goods, elderberry products and other items each week to support local farms and businesses. This year, shoppers can also purchase fresh produce to donate to Westminster Rescue Mission’s Food Bank program.

Carroll Hospital Parking Garage, 3rd Floor, 200 Memorial Ave., Westminster

Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market

The Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market will be open rain or shine every Saturday in 2023 from May 20 through Nov. 18. This food-centric, dog-friendly market is open from 8 a.m. to noon and has 25-30 vendors each week, along with a weekly nonprofit tent, live music, and hot breakfast options. Other vendor offerings include local produce, meats, eggs, prepared foods, baked items, cheese, pet treats, local wine and spirits, artisan merchandise, and flowers.

Railroad Avenue, Westminster  •  www.downtownwestminsterfarmersmarket.com

Hampstead Farmers’ Market

The Hampstead Farmers’ Market has vendors offering local produce, meats, live crabs, soft-shell crabs, cheeses, fresh eggs, breads, fresh-cut flowers, candy, bakery items, a local brewery, and more. Craft vendors offer jewelry, soaps, reclaimed furniture, pottery, and hand-sewn items to name a few offerings. Breakfast and lunch options are available from local nonprofit groups that use the proceeds from their sales to support their organizations. This year, visitors can also relax and enjoy live music in a designated seating area at the “Music at the Market,” which will host talented music groups throughout the season. The market is located by the water tower on the grounds of the Coppermine Pantherplex in Hampstead. The season runs every Saturday, June 3 through Sept. 30, from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

1400 Panther Drive, Hampstead  •  www.hampsteadfarmersmarket.com

Mount Airy Main Street Farmers’ Market

This year’s market will officially open on June 7 and run through Sept. 27, each Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a preseason Garden Market on May 31 featuring plants, seedlings, and early crops such as strawberries, spinach, garlic scapes, and more. The market hosts 14-18 vendors each week selling local farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses, eggs, popcorn, sauerkraut, pickles, wine, distilled products, and local artisan crafts. Live music, a potential children’s educational program, and programs from master gardeners are also part of the market’s weekly offerings.

3 N. Main St., Mount Airy, behind the Mount Airy Train Station  • www.mountairymainstreetfarmersmarket.org

Sykesville Farmers’ Market

The Sykesville Farmers’ Market hosts 45-60 vendors each Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This year’s market begins on May 21 and runs through Oct. 29. Vendors will offer produce, herbs, olives, meats, and baked goods and much more. The market also has a nonprofit showcase and a Junior Market, which provides free, family-friendly activities each week.

Baldwin Drive and Main Street  •  www.downtownsykesvlle.com

Taneytown Farmers’ Market

The Taneytown Farmers’ Market offers fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, eggs, flowers, plants, honey, homemade jams and jellies, pickles, salsa, baked goods, and crafts. They also start serving breakfast at 8 a.m. The season kicks off Saturday, May 13 and ends Saturday, Nov. 4. The market is open rain or shine from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Parking lot of Thunderhead Bowl, 4337 Old Taneytown Road, Taneytown  •  Facebook.com/TaneytownFarmersMarket