On Saturday, April 25 at 8:30 AM, the St. Michaels Farmers Market emerges from a winter rest for its twenty-second season of offering farmer-grown and locally-produced items to the people of Bay Hundred and beyond. With more than fourteen producers displaying their veggies, meats and more in the public parking lot at 204 S. Talbot St., there is always something beautiful and delicious to take home.
Farmers and vendors returning this year include: Spirit Grower Farm, Sand Hill Farms, The Bay Mushrooms, Little Fields Floral, King Berries, Cottingham Farm, Blades Orchard, Windon Distilling (known for their Lyon Rum), and, the springtime favorite, Kreider’s Tomatoes. Shoppers can find meats, eggs, tomatoes, berries, jams, jellies, pastries, cakes, pies and of course fresh-from-the-farm spring vegetables like greens, lettuces and asparagus.
The Market also welcomes its 2020 staff person who makes sure farmers, vendors and customers are all well taken care of. Says the new Market Manger, Amanda Kidd, “I am both honored and excited to serve the prestigious St. Michael’s Farmers Market and all community members. I cannot wait to see what this journey has in store!”
Under Governor Hogan’s Stay at Home order, farmers markets are considered essential operations to ensure communities can have access to safe, healthy foods. “We believe the Farmers Market experience is just as safe or even inherently safer than any big box or chain grocery shopping experience right now,” explains Randy Royer, SMFM President. “It’s simple: You are buying right from the farmer, so there are just fewer hands in the operation. It’s farm to table shopping.”
To ensure that both farmers and Market customers feel comfortable and safe during their visit, the Market is putting several measures in place.
● Both farmers and customers are asked to wear masks for Market.
● Everyone is asked to respect social distancing guidelines, staying six feet apart.
● The first hour of market, 8:30-9:30am, is designated for vulnerable customers.
● Handwashing stations will be a new addition this year – farmers and producers will be provided with sanitizer donated by Windon Distilling .
● Farmers and producers will facilitate all produce and product transactions, providing items to you as you select them.
● Bring your change! Having exact change will be helpful to reduce the handling of money. Electronic payments are even better.
The St. Michaels Farmers Market’s success over the years is largely due to its ‘producer-only’ focus (meaning everything sold at the market is grown or produced by the vendor selling it), high-quality products, volunteer commitment, and its history as a place for people to come together. Although there won’t be any food tastings or eat-in seating for the Market’s opening or in the weeks to come, the spirit of being a vibrant community gathering place is still part of the Market’s intent. As their Facebook page says, “The mechanics of the market are going to look very different for a while, but the SOUL of it won’t change. We are still all about creating opportunities for positively local farmers to connect with positively local shoppers.” You can find weekly updates about SMFM happenings and what’s in season on their Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LoveYourFarmer. You’ll also find an option to sign up for their weekly e-newsletters.
St. Michaels Farmers Market is a non-profit, producer-only market and community gathering place for residents and visitors, that also provides economic opportunities for farmers and food producers, offers local food education and gives everyone access to healthy, fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and other products.
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