Community Corner
Arbutus Farmers’ Market Thrives In Cooler Weather Thursday
Vendors and patrons welcomed the breezes Thursday afternoon at the Arbutus Farmers' Market in the parking lot of the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department.
The Arbutus Farmers’ Market, new to the community this June, offers the best of the season from 2 to 6 p.m. each Thursday - produce from local farms as well as a wide variety of meats, cheeses, seafood, baked goods and other specialty food items. Shoppers can find unique gifts, homemade crafts and ready-made food.
“You stop at the grocery store on the way home, why not stop at the market on the way home?” asks Patti Sue Nolan, president of the Arbutus Business and Professional Association.
The market accepts debit, credit and independence cards too, says Nolan.
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Shoppers concerned with price or variety will not be disappointed.
Locals Dianne and Barry Goldberg were pleased to find bell peppers for $1 and enjoyed chatting with vendor Rebecca Stoecker from Stoecker Farm and Produce.
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“I always try to work with people," says Stoecker. "You deserve to like what you’re getting.”
The market has the abundance of summer fruits and veggies one would expect like peaches, tomatoes, watermelon, peppers, corn and squash. However, there are numerous surprises beneath the vendors tents, like blackberries and extra virgin olive oil imported from Sparta, Greece.
Demitri Komninos moved here when he was 12 years old, but works with his step-father at the family farm in Greece to import olive oil, as well as olives for markets and restaurants around Baltimore.
Nolan is working with area vineyards as well to get more of them involved. Boordy Vineyards plans to be back at the market on Oct. 27.
Julie Eveland, a local caterer offers cream of crab soup, as well as fresh shrimp salad and other lunch fare. Several feet away, Anderson’s seafood offers live soft crabs.
“It’s the freshest you can get," says Kim Anderson. "They were caught yesterday afternoon, picked and packed on ice to be ready for market today.”
There are about 300 people attending this market each Thursday according to Nolan, but vendors always welcome more.
“It takes most of the morning to get the trucks loaded up,” says George Zahradka who hopes to see the market grow as the weather gets cooler.