CONTACT: Susan Harding, Public Information Officer, 301-600-1385
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 3, 2010
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NEW FARMERS MARKET ANNOUNCED FOR DOWNTOWN FREDERICK

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Frederick, MD -- A new farmers market is scheduled to open this summer in downtown Frederick. Will Morrow, of Whitmore Farms, announced the formation of the North Market Farmers Market, located in the former Carmack Jays parking at 331 North Market Street. The North Market Farmers Market will open on Wednesday, June 9th from 3:00-7:00 PM and will be held every Wednesday through October.

"After a 52 year hiatus we're bringing the Farmers Market back to Market Street," stated Will Morrow of Whitmore Farm, and Market organizer. "The oldest and longest running Farmers Market used to be on Market Street. The original market was established in 1746 and served as the center of agricultural commerce for Frederick County for 212 years! Come on out, find some great locally raised food, visit with neighbors and check out the entertainment!"

The property owner, Douglas Development Corporation, has agreed to allow the Market to utilize the parking lot until a leased is signed for the building. Offerings will include local and regional fresh meats, fruits, vegetables, eggs, baked goods, cut flowers, plants, soap, fiber and yarn. In addition to traditional farmers' market offerings, the North Market Farmers Market will also offer music and special events. In keeping with the dog-friendly atmosphere of downtown Frederick, dogs are welcome!

"The City of Frederick Economic Development is committed to activating the North Market Street neighborhood of Downtown Frederick. This new farmers market is just one step in that direction," stated Richard Griffin, Director of the City's Department of Economic Development.

"Downtown Frederick Partnership is thrilled to welcome another farmers market to Downtown Frederick," said Kara Norman, Partnership Executive Director. "The new market responds to an item on the wish list of many downtown residents and employees and will offer another great opportunity to highlight Frederick County's great agricultural heritage and our vibrant, historic downtown."

With Frederick County's strong agricultural heritage which continues today, a farmers market provide a unique opportunity for local farmers to sell direct to the consumer, and for Frederick resident to enjoy fresh locally grown products. For the 2010 season, there are 12 markets throughout the county, including:

o Brunswick Farmers Market - Fridays 5:00-8:00pm, May - October
o Emmitsburg Farmers Market - Fridays 3:00-6:30pm, June 18-Sept 24
o Everedy Square & Shab Row Farmers Market - Thursday 3:00-6:00pm, June - October
o Grace Community Church Farmers Market - Fridays 3:00-7:00pm, May - November 20
o Great Frederick Fair Farmers Market - Saturdays 8:00am-2:00pm, year round
o Middletown Farmers Market - Thursdays 3:00-6:00pm, June 17 - Sept 30
o Farmers' Market at NCI-Frederick (Ft Detrick) - Tuesdays 11:00-1:30, June - October
o NEW! North Market Farmers Market - Wednesdays 3:00-7:00pm, June 9 - October
o Thurmont Main Street Farmers Market - Saturdays 8:00-11:00am, July - Sept
o Urbana Farmers Market @ Landon House - Sundays 1:00-4:00pm
o NEW! Farmers Market at Urbana Library - Sundays Noon-3:00pm, May-Oct
o West Frederick Farmers Market - Saturdays 10:00am - 1:00pm, May - Thanksgiving

Colby Ferguson, Agricultural Business Development Specialist with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development, reminds us "Without Farmers, There is no Farming; Without Farming, There is no Agriculture; Without Agriculture, There is No Food! We must support our local farmer to make sure we continue to secure our food source for the future. Buy Local!‬"

For more information on the North Market Farmers Market, contact Will Morrow at will@whitmorefarm.com. For more information on Frederick County farmers markets and agriculture contact Colby Ferguson at 301-600-3037 or visit www.discoverfrederickmd.com.

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