(4/23) With springtime creeping up on us, it is time to dive into the staple harvests of the season. One great place to dive is the upcoming annual Emmitsburg Farmers Market, an event that has taken place for the last 19 years and counting.

Kadeem Brim, the Marketing Manager and Coordinator of the Farmers Market, wanted to make sure the town knows when and where the event will be taking place. It will occur in the same location as past years, beside the Town Hall at 302 South Seton Ave. However, the market is changing its hours to Fridays from 2 to 8 p.m., beginning June 23rd and ending October 6th.

The time change allows more opportunity for those who work later hours or have conflicting schedules with the previously allotted time to make it to the market during the afternoon hours. Brim encourages people to go "as soon as you can and as often as you can."

When questioned on what he believes is worth mentioning about the market this year, Brim claims that because he is relatively new to the town, he is ready to start fresh with making the "best market." Hopefully, this approach will allow the community to see the effort in which the whole town is putting into the market.

Brim also mentions how the CAC and commissioner, and others, have been extremely supportive this year, since they are dedicated to putting in the work and making the market as good as possible this year.

In the past years, the market has had a commitment from about 3-4 vendors total, which is a drastic contrast to the commitment for 2023: a total of 13-14 vendors, so far, including those that the town is looking to "feature and rotate." Brim notes that this is the first year in which the market is open to vendors aside from produce farmers and bakers—allowing new goods and local businesses to be showcased each week.

However, as registration for vendors this year are free, there will be a cutoff if the volume of vendors gets too high during the start. Brim suggests that potential vendors register online as soon as possible!

Brim explained that the Farmers Market is "looking to feature a different brewery or distillery or winery and a food truck every week," as well as different activities for children to partake in, to keep them entertained while their parents shop and sip—creating incentive for community members to come out more often.

Brim notes that the Emmitsburg community is seen as "really strong as far as the small town, small business kind of mindset" goes, so the Farmers Market allows "great opportunity for the community to come together and support each other" while also enjoying themselves.

The goal for the Farmers Market this year is to grow, thrive and have the "life breathed back into it." You can expect flyers to be sent out the Sundays or Mondays highlighting the vendors and activities for the upcoming week’s market. Brim, and the rest of the town office, hope to see everyone there this year.