Photo credit: Baltimore Farmer's Market and Bazaar
Returning for its 44th season is the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar, a favorite of Baltimoreans as a seasonal Sunday morning tradition. Folks come from all around to find fresh cut flowers, freshly baked bread and pastries, dairy products and cheeses, seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats and seafood items among many other offerings. The Bazaar is Maryland's largest producer-only market, featuring some of the area's best offerings. There are food concessionaires offering delicious hot foods where patrons can enjoy breakfast and brunch, there are also gourmet local foods, wine, and hot, freshly brewed coffee to enjoy.
The Market, which is a part of the Baltimore office of Promotion and the Arts, was severely limited last season by the COVID-19 virus, and was unable to operate as planned. Typically, the market hosts not just dozens of producers, farmers, and local food concessionaires, but also local events, open-air music, and is a general gathering place for Baltimoreans throughout the spring, summer, and fall growing seasons.
In addition to foods and produce, the market offers the opportunity for local artisans to sell handmade crafts and art, antiques and collectibles, and a variety of items at locations throughout the market.
Because COVID-19 is still a concern, a modified layout will be used at the market this year to optimize safe distancing, and there will now be a larger space between a reduced number of vendors. The 2020 season suspended special events at the market, which will continue for at least the beginning of the new season.
While hot, prepared foods will indeed be available at the market, purchasers are encouraged to wait until near the end of their visit, and enjoy these items at home rather than at the market proper to ensure a safe experience for all. The market in general will contiue to adapt to new COVID-19 restrictions and recommendations as the state and city agree, in order to keep all market-goers safe throughout the season.
Photo credit: Baltimore Farmer's Market and Bazaar
This year's market includes pet-centric vendors including Baltimore Dog Bakery and KaJo Pets, candlemakers Terra Verde and Lax & Lux Candles along with body products by Mount Royal Soaps.
Some of the many food vendors at the 44th season include vegan ice cream by Cajou Cream, fresh pasta by Cavanna Pasta, fresh donuts by Migue's Minis, Haitian cuisine by Sobeachy, fresh juices by Revive, crepes and breakfast sandwiches from Sobrasito, and coffee by Zeke's.
In honor of what would have been Opening Day for the 43rd season of the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar, the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts team assembled their favorite seasonal and farm-to-table meals that can be created directly from a market or farm. Recipes are available at no cost online here: Recipe Book
As their website makes plain, the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts is "committed to providing an adapted market season that is healthy and safe for all attendees, participants, volunteers and staff." To achieve that, masks will be required by everyone at the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar. In addition, crowd density will be monitored, there will be additional security on site, and proper distancing will be maintained throughout the market footprint. Additional handwashing and sanitizing stations will also be made available throughout the market to help maintain a healthy community.
The produce vendors & farms at the Baltimore Farmers’ Market & Bazaar are able to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), credit and debit payments directly thanks to the help of support from the Maryland Farmers’ Market Association. Most vendors are equipped with debit card capability and can accept Independence card transactions directly at their locations. If patrons have any questions about using SNAP benefits or Independence cards, they should visit the Welcome Tent, near the Hillen Street Entrance.