compiled by Sylvia Blair

With much-anticipated warmer weather approaching, those in search of a fun and healthy outing can look ahead to a tried-and-true tradition that occurs every spring, summer, and fall — the enjoyment of local farmers’ markets. They are already busy getting ready for the season of selling locally sourced produce, meats, baked goods, and crafts, at locations around the county, throughout the week. 

In addition to products for sale, many of the markets offer live entertainment, demonstrations, and activities for children. 

Due to COVID-19 concerns for public health and safety, local farmers’ markets are providing access to fresh, local foods that also follow public health and safety guidelines. 

For more COVID-19-related information about the procedures at individual farmers’ markets, go to www.carrollgrown.org. Please note that additional changes may occur throughout the farmers’ market season.

The following farmers’ markets have announced their plans for the 2021 season.

Carroll County Farmers’ Market

In its 50th year, the Carroll County Farmers’ Market offers local wines and bourbon, meats, cheeses, handmade baked goods, dips, jams, jellies, candies, farm-fresh eggs, produce, and handmade crafts. Special events include the Spring Fling on March 20. The Easter Show will be held on April 3. The Mother’s Day and Rhododendron Show will be held on May 9. A special day called Celebrate Fall will be held on Oct. 2. The season opens June 19, continues until Sept. 4, and is held weekly every Saturday. From Nov. 6 through Dec. 18, the market will be open again, each Saturday. Check out times online. 

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

Carroll Hospital Farmers’ Market

The Carroll Hospital Farmers’ Market features a selection of fresh, local produce, herbs, baked goods, and more. It offers a unique weekday opportunity to shop for fresh and local foods. Located on the hospital’s campus, this market is a great way for the hospital to promote health and wellness to its staff, visitors, and the community. The season opens on June 17 and continues until Oct. 7, each Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Carroll Hospital Parking Garage (third level), Westminster  •  www.lifebridgehealth.org/farmersmarket

Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market

The Downtown Westminster Farmers’ Market has offered 27 weeks of continuous operation, during its many seasons over the years. The market carries prepared foods, baked items, cheeses, dog treats, local wine, flowers, produce and meats from about two dozen vendors. The market also offers live music and free Wi-Fi. The season opens May 15 and continues until Nov. 21, every Saturday; Check out times online.

Railroad Avenue, Westminster  •  www.downtownwestminsterfarmersmarket.com

Hampstead Farmers’ Market

The 12th annual Hampstead Farmers’ Market has local vendors offering local produce, meats, cheeses, breads, fresh-cut flowers and more. Craft vendors offer jewelry, soaps, stained glass, and crocheted items. Visitors can enjoy live music demonstrations. This season, the event will be located by the water tower on the grounds of the Panther Sportsplex, formerly North Carroll High School. The former home of the farmers’ market was on the carnival grounds of the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department, but due to renovations, a new home was needed. So remember this brand-new location at the Sportsplex. The season runs every Saturday, from June through September, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon

1400 Panther Drive, Hampstead  •  www.hampsteadfarmersmarket.com

Mount Airy Main Street Farmers’ Market

Vendors will be selling crafts and food, and offering fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, sandwiches, eggs, popcorn, and freshly prepared items. The event is a Mount Airy Main Street Association production in partnership with the Town of Mount Airy. Plentiful parking is conveniently located in the area. The season opens June 2 and continues until Sept. 29, each Wednesday. Times are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

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

Sykesville Farmers’ Market

The Sykesville Farmers’ Market is located on Baldwin Drive and Main Street, near the shops and attractions. This location makes the event a community gathering which supports all of Sykesville’s local merchants. Along with over 40 food and craft vendors offering local produce, herbs, olives, meats, baked goods, and jewelry, the market provides family-friendly entertainment to keep the kids engaged as well. The Junior Market will return this year, entirely operated by the kids. Check the website for dates and times. 

Baldwin Drive and Main Street  •  www.downtownsykesvlle.com

Taneytown Farmers’ Market

The Taneytown Farmers’ Market is small but growing. Last year, the market relocated due to COVID-19 restrictions. The new space is larger and vendor participation has greatly increased. The event offers produce, fresh-cut flowers, herbs, potted plants, baked goods, cheese, and crafts. The season opens May 8 and continues until Nov. 6, each Saturday. Times are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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