Chestertown Farmer's Market Number One in Maryland

Chestertown Farmer's Market has been voted the number one Farmer's Market in Maryland in the small market category according to a spokesperson from America's Farmland Trust. The hugely popular market garnered 452 votes more than two and a half times that of the Bethesda Central Farmer's Market the second place division winner.

The Chestertown Farmer's Market in Kent County, Maryland finished seventh nationally in the small (30 vendors or less) division. The contest for top farmer's market in the nation and in the state is sponsored by America Farmland Trust, a non profit organization dedicated to preserving Americas Farms and Farmers.

According to the organization, Maryland is losing farmland at a rate of 20 acres each day.

As consumers we have the power and the responsibility to stop this erosion of our farms. American Farmland Trust seeks to inform the public about this issue and to promote buying and eating locally produced food. The organization offers free bumper stickes that read, "No Farmers, No Food". Go to www.farmland.org to request a bumper sticker.

The Chestertown Farmers Market has been in operation for nearly thirty years and long time Owen McCoy has been market manager as long as anyone can remember. The market runs Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until 12 noon in the middle of downtown Chesterton, in Fountain Park. The market opens each spring the first weekend in April and runs up to Christmas.

The market is a producer's only market and each vendor must grown whatever they are selling. Part of the success of the Chestertown Farmers' Market is the diversity of products sold. Fresh fruits and vegetables in season in Maryland begin trickling in the spring, reaching a crescendo by late summer, then slowly fading away as winter sets in.

Organic beef and poultry, lamb, eggs, Asian pears, figs, herbs, fruits, vegetables, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, cheeses, breads, honey, dog treats, soaps and gourds are sold.

Customers get to know the farmers up close and personal, asking how the corn is doing in the drought and if I wanted to grow figs, what variety grows best in Maryland?

Unlike some markets that restrict free enterprise, Chestertown Farmer's Market under the direction of McCoy allows for free enterprise. With several farmers selling the same fruits and veggies in season, customers have a choice in quality and price. The small market hosts three different bread bakers, each offering their own specialty and each having their own loyal following.

Chestertown Farmer's Market is the best of what is right in small town America. Come to Chestertown any Saturday morning from April until December and see what I am talking about.