Farmers Market opens for the season

By KATIE V. JONES

The city of Laurel Farmer’s Market opened for the season on May 3 with its collection of fresh produce, food vendors and unique items — and one big change.

It’s going weekly!

“We knew the residents definitely wanted to have it every week,” Michelle Blair, environmental program manager for the city, said. A survey of the vendors showed they did, too.

Now the market will be bustling from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through Sept. 26, with the exception of July 4,  at the Laurel Quill Lot at 378 Main St.

“It is definitely going to be a lot more work,” Blair said, with a laugh, though she is excited about new events planned for the market.

New monthly cooking demos will feature the market vendors’ “healthy, tasty, inexpensive food,” Blair said, in a variety of menus ranging from appetizers and salads to light summer meals and sweet desserts. A local author is slated to give a reading, and Blair is hoping that Bead Soup, a local vendor, will do a craft workshop. 

“We wanted to do something fun, different, when we don’t have music,” Blair said. “Kick back, have food and learn something.”

Live entertainment by local artists every other week continues this year thanks in part to a stipend provided by the Laurel Arts Council, Blair said. Laurel musicians Mike Walls and Bobby Walters played guitar and sang on opening day.

Tiffany Ogunwuyi, owner of Coco & Soy Candle Company, is a regular vendor at markets in Annapolis and Crofton. She was excited to be back in her home town on opening day. 

“I love the local support,” Ogunwuyi said. “The people want the market to be here.”

Miranda Everett was glad to make the market’s opening.

“We came last year,” Everett, who was shopping with her daughter, said. “I’m glad to see more vendors.”

Though temperatures hovered in the 90s on opening day, a steady stream of people walked through the market, buying produce, enjoying the music and taking in the scene. 

“We get people coming home from work,” Blair said. “There is ready-made food and fresh veggies and fruit, lemonade and a new baker. We want people to come and sit and shop at the vendors.”

The market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer.

Ashley Hamilton was a first-time shopper at the market. “I like walking on Main Street and around Laurel,” she said “You find little gems.”