 One of the most popular features of a weekend visit to Chestertown
is a visit to the Farmers' Market. You'll find wonderful bread,
fresh home- grown produce, plants, herbs, and even -- occasionally
-- puppies and goats. Don't miss it!
The market is located on Park Row in the heart of downtown Chestertown
--- open every Saturday morning from the first Saturday in April until the last Saturday before Christmas.
And,
just in case, it's
also available on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. |
The Chestertown Artisans' Market is located in Fountain Park adjacent to the Farmers' Market in Fountain Park with ample parking available in the
city lots surrounding the park. The hours are every Saturday morning, 9:00 am - 1:00pm April through November. Featuring a wide variety of talented local crafters with unique handmade items, art, painted furniture, pottery, unique jewelry, photography, and much, much more.
Chestertown Artisans Market is now accepting vendor applications for the 2011 season. Please be aware that spaces are limited and interest is high. The market is seeking some specific products but will consider all applications.
For more information regarding participation in the market, please |
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Don Gear
Nancy McTear
Rob Dey
Donna Hickman
Steve Hamilton
Shirley Eklund
Heather Collins
Maria Smith
Marilee Schumann
Linda Sims
Rhonda Gover
Jimmy Reynolds
And many, many more crafters!
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The true
origins of the Chestertown Farmers' Market are lost in the mists
of time, but long-time residents maintain that it began with one
truck parked near the steps of Emmanuel Church to sell vegetables
on Saturday mornings. When the highway came through, the farmer
moved on. That might have been the end, had not Jaimie Gaudion
revived and improved the idea in 1981.
Living out at Quaker
Neck Landing, she knew a number of people who grew vegetables
organically in backyard plots. She suggested to Mayor Elmer
Horsey that some sort of local produce market would be a good
idea. The Mayor was immediately supportive, and made Fountain
Park available on Saturday mornings. Jaimie and Bill Ingersoll,
the Town Manager, then managed to convince the original eight
vendors to agree to come. At first, the operation was very
informal, publicized only by word-of-mouth, though Marilyn White
did create a banner advertising the existence of the market.
The banner eventually disappeared, to be replaced by the wooden
sign that remains today.
Over time, local vendors have come
and gone. The original idea of a market to sell organically-grown
vegetables from backyard gardens has evolved into a somewhat more
commercial enterprise. Owen McCoy, the current manager,
has been careful, however, to ensure that the vendors adhere to
the founders' principles; and that nothing but locally grown or
produced items are offered for sale. The market has become
an institution -- we hope that you'll visit. For more information, please contact Owen McCoy at 410.639.7217.
The Chestertown Artisans' Market, located in Fountain Park adjacent to the Farmers' Market, it is intended to bring important benefits to the local artisan community, build a strong local economy, and support small businesses. The markets goal is to introduce residents and visitors to the diverse selection of local arts and crafts produced in Kent and Queen Anne Counties by the artists themselves. |
