For over thirty years, Allegany County's farmers markets have been a hallmark of summer for the community. From May to October, regional markets in Cumberland and Frostburg offer residents and visitors access to nutritious, locally grown produce, and artisan products while creating a meaningful space for community connection, education, and health.
“Just as shopping at local businesses is crucial for our economy, supporting our local farmers and makers is equally important,” emphasizes Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director of Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission. “When we invest in our community’s farmers and artisans, we not only keep our money local, but we also foster a sense of pride and connection in Allegany, our natural resources, and the health of our residents.”
“Just as shopping at local businesses is crucial for our economy, supporting our local farmers and makers is equally important.” - Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director of Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission
Founded in 1991, the Cumberland Canal Place Market is held bi-weekly: on Thursdays at the Canal Place Festival Grounds and on Saturdays in front of the Canal Place public plaza parking lot. Each event, including Frostburg’s Friday market at City Place, hosts an average of ten to twenty vendors a week offering produce, farm-raised meats, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, and more.
“I joined the first year of the markets [1991], and it's just been such a pleasure to be a part of this community,” said Janet Woodson of Dovedale Farms, a vendor at the Cumberland and Frostburg Markets. “The markets have introduced us to a lot of new customers that have become regulars. We’re considering going back to a storefront as well, partially because of the customers we’ve been able to find here.”
Uniquely, the Allegany Farmers Markets are a growers-only market, meaning only vendors that grow what they sell can participate in the market, limiting the resale of produce from other regions.
Katie Lesko, Marketing Consultant for the Allegany Farmers Market Association (AFMA) and Events and Promotions Coordinator with FrostburgFirst says, “The farmers that built the markets here have held true to their mission and have evolved their offerings to meet customers needs."
“The markets have introduced us to a lot of new customers that have become regulars. We’re considering going back to a storefront as well, partially because of the customers we’ve been able to find here.” - Janet Woodson of Dovedale Farms
Rice’s Orchard is a family-owned farm with a 30-year history as a vendor at the Allegany County markets. Joyce Emerick and her brother, Paul Rice, now continue the family business. “My brother and my mother were some of the folks that actually started the farmers market years ago,” shares Emerick. “The farmers markets here have been an important part of our business, and we make sure to offer different fruits, vegetables, plants, canned goods, and more to give the customers a good variety throughout the season,” she states.
As with Rice’s Orchard, many vendor farms are family operations. Lesko says, “Now that the younger folks are stepping into leadership, they are bringing more conversations around biodynamic farming, sustainability, and accessibility to the table.” As these conversations continue, so do new ideas to transform and fortify a strong future for Allegany’s agricultural industry.
“The farmers that built the markets here have held true to their mission and have evolved their offerings to meet customers needs." - Katie Lesko, Marketing Consultant for the Allegany Farmers Market Association (AFMA) and Events and Promotions Coordinator with FrostburgFirst.
One notable transformation is a more concerted effort to extend the presence of local produce beyond the traditional market days and into the everyday business and restaurant community.
In collaboration with the local Main Street America program, FrostburgFirst, AFMA encourages nearby restaurants to source from farmers market vendors whenever possible. This will help the market and its vendors gain sales and interest. “We would love businesses and restaurants to think of sourcing locally first, even if it's one featured drink that's got local produce or a salad ingredient. We're trying to find new ways to build that conversation and reconnect the food system through the local farmers markets first and not just from big suppliers,” says Lesko.
“There is a great network of passionate people behind our farmers markets in Allegany County. A lot of enthusiasm and ideas are coming down the line that will continue to advance the presence of agriculture in our communities and expand their benefits for our residents and draw in new visitors.” - Melinda Kelleher, Executive Director of Cumberland’s Downtown Development Commission
By accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance and partnering with the Maryland Market Money initiative, AFMA enables more individuals and families to access locally grown, nutritious produce. Eventually, AFMA hopes to collaborate with local government to improve public transportation to the markets, ensuring easier access for everyone.
Lesko emphasizes, “Something as simple as changing bus schedules to come to the market would have a tremendous impact on health in our county and could be a huge economic boost for all vendors and local businesses who depend on the farmers market traffic.”
“There is a great network of passionate people behind our farmers markets in Allegany County,” Kelleher shares. “A lot of enthusiasm and ideas are coming down the line that will continue to advance the presence of agriculture in our communities and expand their benefits for our residents and draw in new visitors.”
For the farmers market dates and times, click here.
Read other stories from Allegany County here.
