By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(May 17, 2018) A new Berlin Farmer’s Market will debut next month on Artisan’s Green downtown.

Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said an informational meeting Tuesday night was well attended, with about 30 farmers, community members and other interested parties present.

She said that included representatives from Terrapin Farms, Elysium Farm and Gilbert’s Provisions.

“Basically, what it all boils down to, is everybody is thrilled that we’re starting the market again, and they like the location,” Wells said.

The previous farmer’s market in town, which was held near the fire company parking lot, ended in April. Wells said during a Town Council meeting last month she hoped a new location could be found closer to the downtown.

Artisan’s Green is just off Main Street, between House by Salvaged and Go Organic Grocer.

Wells said the weekly seasonal market, likely starting in June and running through September, would also include live music and be a “producer’s only market,” meaning participants have to grow their own food.

“That also goes for the vendors as well,” she said. “Artists that make their own art or make their own jewelry are encouraged to set up, but there won’t be any home-based businesses permitted, such as Pampered Chef.”

She added the market would be held in partnership with the Ocean Pines Farmers Market.

“I don’t want to have a competitive farmer’s market at all,” Wells said. “I want there to be a farmer’s market available to everyone during a different day in the week, and then we can work together.”

The exact dates and times, she said, would be determined by a poll on the town Facebook page at www.facebook.com/berlinmaryland.

“People were going back and forth on when the market should be, and then it was determined we should let the community decide,” Wells said. “There’s no sense in having a market on a day when no one would be able to make it.”

Options are Sundays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays noon to 3 p.m., Thursdays 3-7 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or Fridays 3-7 p.m.

“Right now it’s just a matter of what day it’s going to be, and then we’re going to get started,” Wells said.

For more information on the market, call Wells at 410-629-1722 or email iwells@berlinmd.gov.