From Harford County government:
With the opening of the farmers’ markets in Havre de Grace on May 7 and Edgewood on May 12, all four of Harford County’s Farmers’ Markets will be open for the 2011 season. The Bel Air Farmers’ Markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays opened in April.
During the month of May, farmers’ market patrons will find fresh strawberries and early-season vegetables such as asparagus, peas, and spinach, as well hanging baskets and bedding plants. Most markets will also have a variety of meats, cheeses, ice cream, honey, and other specialty items to offer.
“The popularity of Harford County Farmers’ Markets and our ‘Buy Local’ campaign have grown by leaps and bounds,” stated County Executive David R. Craig. “I enjoy walking to the Havre de Grace market from my home as often as I can, but all four of our farmers’ markets are worth the trip wherever you are travelling from.”
The Havre de Grace Farmers’ Market will be open every Saturday from 9am to Noon beginning May 7 at its location downtown on Pennington Avenue. The Edgewood Farmers’ Market will be open every Thursday from 3pm to 6pm beginning May 12 at the Edgewood MARC Train Station, 2122 Old Edgewood Road.
For information on the Havre de Grace Farmers’ Market, contact Rory White of the Havre de Grace Main Street Organization at 443-250-5443. For information on the Edgewood Farmers’ Market, contact Dave Mullenix at 443-866-8122.
To learn more about agriculture in Harford County, visit www.harfordfarms.com.
Gibby says
Saturday, for the first time ever, I went to the Bel Air Farmers Market. It was bursting with beatiful flowers and shrubs, wonderful freshly baked bread and pastries, homemade jellies, and so on. Quite an array, something for everyone.
However….why oh why must people insist on bringing their dogs to market. Twice I stepped back, only to almost fall backwards over someone’s pet. No apologies, only “Oh, he’s friendly, he won’t bite you.” Oh, I suppose now that we have the o.k. for dogs in outdoor restaurant facilities, no one should complain. Keep your pets in your own yards, not at the market, please!
Gay Ayyagari says
i have stopped going to the sat. am bel air farmers market because of the large dog population. i love dogs but i do not like to have to deal with so many in an area where there is food being served, sitting on the ground in baskets, etc. children walking with parents. people visiting in clutches is fine but i don’t like to have to also maneuver around their leashed pets jumping, snarling at each other and straining at their leash. there is a doggie park just down the road. make that their special place and time to romp–they do not have a place in the farmers market. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN RESTAURANTS AND GROCERY STORES. FARMERS MARKET IS NOT MUCH DIFFERENT.
Harfordmom says
Thank you Gibby…like many, I love animals. Some maybe upset by this and I am sorry. I do not wish to step in your dog crap because most don’t being bags…my son is extremely allergic which is why we gave our dog to a friend and the fact that your dog won’t bite doesn’t make me feel better…they are licking him without notice and jumping up around on us, we go for meds, and I step in crap and have almost been knocked down by some dogs…dog lovers will be angry but think of others…and don’t bring them only to leave them hot in the car…keep them home, get a dog sitter…dog people will say they are like our kids – do your kids do this..if so you’d get a sitter and have some problems to deal with so don’t play that card…
get real says
really? NOW you’re telling us when and where we can take our dogs in public? Yes, i am a dog lover/owner, and therefore I know how important it is to expose your animal to public situations so that they can A) socialize and B) improve their behavior in those public situation. In addition, I know how upsetting and anxiety provoking it can be to keep a dog locked up or secluded at all times. Do you also complain when you go to PetSmart or PetCo and see a dog? I am sorry that there are irresponsible dog owners out there who allow their pets to jump/lick people, but don’t generalize those actions to all dog owners. If you don’t like the atmosphere, then don’t attend. The Farmer’s Market has been around for many many years, and dogs have always been allowed to attend. We’re not changing it. so stop complaining.
Gibby says
To: GetReal. No, I’m not TELLING you where and when you can take your dogs in public. I’m ASKING you PLEASE, for all the considerations stated above, not to bring them to the markets. I personally don’t want to ‘socialize’ with dogs, nor do I want to be part of their training ‘to improve their behavior in public places.’
Phil Dirt says
Why don’t they just get rid of the farmers and have a Dog Market?
I really hope these ‘informative’ posts by Get Real are just a joke and he doesn’t really think that dogs should be valued as highly as children. I am a ‘dog person’ but I have enough common sense to realize that not everybody feels the same way about them.
Matt Spearman says
I go to the farmers market in Bel Air also. I typically see approx. 5-6 dogs. I have never seen dog poo on the ground. I have seen more kids running around getting into stuff than dogs. If your argument is leave the dogs at home because they jump and lick and get into stuff, mine is leave your kids at home. I have both children and dogs that are behaved and am more appalled by the behavior of these kids than I am the dogs that want to lick my hand.
Dulcinea says
I completely agree with you. It is a fact that the market in Bel Air is, and has always been, very populated by dogs and their owners. If you don’t like it don’t go.
If I asked all the annoying children’s parents to keep their kids home so I could more fully enjoy; grocery shopping, the mall, the pool etc. they would be outraged. No different than how I feel when you ask me to let my dogs at home. They go where I go.
Gay ayyagari says
I’ve already stopped visiting the sat. Bel air farmers mkt. It’s going to the dogs like so many other things in your town–really downhill. I’ll buy my produce elsewhere.
Rotten kids anyway... says
@Dulcinea,Unfortunately, some dog lovers are unable to understand why anyone else would not be just as elated to see scraps as they are… and of course since they cannot bear to be parted from rover for a couple hours the rest of you simply have to deal with it. I’ve always liked dogs but I’ve never been arrogant enough to believe I should subject others to the presence of my animal if they might find it objectionable… just one of those considerate fools. I’ve also known children who were traumatized by a dog and feel intensely uncomfortable near dogs as a result… but that’s their problem I suppose. After all, it wasn’t my dog. Why should an unruly child have more rights than someone’s dog? Its discrimination I tell you… make those brats wait in the car and stop bothering my dog.
noble says
I think the Baltimore City farmer’s markets have banned dogs, but I could be wrong.
For me personally, I think it poses a number of unique problems. Are you allowed to bring your dog into a grocery store? Does every dog owner keep such close tabs on their pet that they are able to prevent them from licking or pawing the people around them, or, ugh, even the food sitting at ground level at the stalls?
But I like the airy feel and I think it’s important to welcome dogs at this type of public event.
Obviously I think, like most of our society’s problems, that great care, attention, and personal responsibility by parents, vendors, and pet owners would solve the problem.
Unfortunately, we never seem able to accomplish that for any issue anymore.
get real says
@Gibby, if you don’t want to socialize with dogs, then stay home. Go to the grocery store. A farmers market is a unique experience that we are priveledged to have in HarCo. Obviously, you are unable to appreciate it for all it’s worth. Are you a Harford County native? I’m curious to hear your sentiments of the Farm Fair.
Gibby says
No, I am not a Harford County native, though I have lived here many years. I have also supported our local farm stands 100% for all that time, regularly, often, and gratefully. I love farmers’ markets and appreciate all that our local farmers do to bring us the wonderfully fresh produce and flowers and foodstuffs. Of course, I will continue to go to the B.A. market. I’ve never been to the Farm Fair, for no particular reason, other than time constraints. But I never go to Pet Smart or any pet store for that matter. So, on that note, I end my comments, hoping for some modicum of consideration from all dog owners who must bring their pets wherever they go.
T. Ray Collingsworth III says
I don’t go to the Bel Air market because of the people. I prefer Havre De Grace’s where the people are eartheir
Get Real says
I personally find it hilarious that, with all that the farmers’ markets have to offer, someone still finds something to complain about. I also find it very disheartening that the whole point of a farmers’ market is being over looked: It’s about supporting your local growers/farmers. The vendors could care less who comes and if they bring their dog. In all honesty, the market isn’t put in place for the public to control. It’s put in place to help sustain Harford County’s agriculture and horticulture industries. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL GROWERS AND PRODUCERS!!!!!!! (and you’re dogs are invited to join in the cause 🙂 ) (How’s that for an informative post, Phil Dirt??)
Phil Dirt says
Informative. Illogical, but informative.