A record 50 vendors will line the streets with line Commerce, Pitts and Main streets in Berlin on May 5 for the official opening of the town’s seasonal farmers market.
Crowds peruse the offerings at a past Berlin Farmers Market.
File photo
Market returns to downtown May 5
By Charlene Sharpe, Associate Editor
A record 50 vendors will line the streets as the Berlin Farmers Market opens for the season this Sunday.
The market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., returns to downtown Berlin Sunday, May 5. Vendors will be set up on Commerce Street, Pitts Street and Main Street.
“It’s not just a farmers market it’s a must visit destination,” Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director, said. “Every Sunday everyone gathers downtown. Everyone gets to catch up plus we’re supporting our local farmers and watermen.”
In its seventh year, the market is expected to feature popular vendors from years past as well as a number of new sellers. Several artists that live in Berlin will be selling their work at the market. Other new vendors include Berlin Bison Ranch, Forgotten 50 Distilling, Berlin Beer Co. and Burley Oak Brewery. Locally known Skilligallee Seafood is also joining the market in 2024.
In keeping with prior years, the market will feature live music, which is being funded through a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council.
For the kids, the market will offer a petting zoo every week as well as art projects thanks to a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
“It’s all free,” Wells said, adding that Colorful Encounters would be guiding the children’s art projects. “The farmers market is always free parking. Leashed pets are welcome.”
Wells noted shops open early on Sunday so visitors can come for the market and stay for the shopping. On South Main Street, Uptown Antiques will have its vendors set up in its front parking lot.
Wells stressed that what made the Berlin Farmers Market special was that the goods sold there were grown and made locally.
“We’re a producers-only market,” she said. “Everything at our market is made or cultivated by that farmer, that baker, that distiller. You won’t find fruit with stickers on it at our farmers market.”
The Berlin Farmers Market runs from May to September every Sunday, rain or shine. For more information visit berlinmainstreet.com.