Dignitaries Cut Ribbon on Baltimore County Farmers Market

The Baltimore County Farmers Market is officially open for business.

A handful of dignitaries cut the ribbon on the second annual-event on a scorching hot Wednesday afternoon.

“Agriculture in Baltimore County is without a doubt one of the biggest industries around here, and we need people to come out and support the farmers markets and the farmers,” said third district Councilman Todd Huff.

New to the market this year are later hours and the introduction of wineries.

The market runs every Wednesday at the in Timonium from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. from June to October. The time was pushed back an hour from last year to beat the summer heat.

The introduction of wineries was made possible by a new law, which allows vineyards to sell wine at farmers markets for 12 weeks out of the year.  

“It brings to Timonium here the same things that the Towson community enjoys but it’s a lot more convenient. Parking is a lot easier. The whole idea about buying locally grown produce is so important,” said Eric Rockel, president of the Greater Timonium Community Council. "We just love it.”

All gardeners, farmers, bakers and winemakers featured at the fairgrounds are from Baltimore County.

The full list of vendors includes:

• Albright Farms
• Atwater’s Bakery
• Basignani Winery
• Boordy Vineyards
• Calvert’s Gift Farm
• Deep Run Farm
• Hills Forest Fruit Farm
• Hope Ridge Farm
• One Straw Farm
• Pahl’s Farm
• Premium Baked Goods by Creative Initiatives
• Quite A Stir Bakers
• Simmer Rock Farm
• Warns Produce Farm
• White House Fresh Flowers
• Woodhall Wine Cellars

 Beckie Gurley, co-owner of Calvert’s Gift Organic Herb and Vegetable Farm in Sparks, is making her second appearance at the market this year. She is one of two certified organic growers featured at the fairgrounds.

“The farmers market is great. We need more customers!” Gurley said. “It’s a great location, we have some great produce here, lots of great vendors, but we need more customers.”

Gurley said the crowd “was light” shortly after 3 p.m., possibly a result of the high heat index that has plagued Baltimore County in the past two weeks.

The blistering sun didn’t deter Delegate Susan Aumann from enjoying afternoon conversation with some of the local growers.

Aumann made her way from tent to tent, picking up cranberry pecan bread, fresh radishes, strawberries, daisies and parsley, neatly tucked away in her green tote bag.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to come from the neighborhoods and enjoy farm-fresh produce and flowers right here from Baltimore County,” Aumann said.

“You can see the people are really interested in eating healthy, and to have farms that are local and that they’re improving their economy and just supporting our neighborhood … it’s a blessing,” she continued.