CENTREVILLE, MD – The tradition of a farmers’ market in the Town of Centreville is so important that there has been an operational farmers’ market in the town since the town was incorporated back in 1794. When the 2019 market season opens Wednesday, May 1, it will add some new conveniences that reflect today’s shoppers’ preferences and expectations.
The most significant addition is launching a home or business delivery option for shoppers who can’t make it to the market. The market will deliver within a five-mile radius of the market by teaming up with an existing business based out of Cambridge called Beat the Rush. Amanda Kidd Beat the Rush founder/CEO is the market manager for the Cambridge Farmers Market, where she does market delivery in addition to restaurant delivery and a personal grocery shopping and delivery service, mostly on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
“The farmers market concept hasn’t changed in decades while consumer behaviors and preferences have changed dramatically,” says Carol D’Agostino, Centreville Main Street manager. “Time-stressed commuters in our bedroom communities barely make it home by 6 p.m. Our local grocery stores are doing home delivery and consumers are getting pre-packaged meals home delivered, so it just makes sense to add that level of service for our farmers’ market shoppers. Most, if not all of our farmers/producers will be accepting credit cards, as well,” she adds.
Through the pilot delivery program, shoppers who wish to have their orders delivered will pay a $25 subscription fee for the 2019 season to help defray the operational and administrative costs. Shoppers will place and pay for their orders online. Orders within 2 1/3 miles of the market will pay a $5 delivery charge per order and those customers further out will pay $7. If multiple orders come from the same address, the delivery charge will be divided evenly amongst the orders. The service will be free to customers within the businesses at Centreville Plaza.
In addition to the delivery service, the market is:
• Adding a takeaway food option so shoppers can pick up or enjoy a quick meal while they are making their farmers market purchases.
• Adding a small business pop-up participate option so that local small businesses can leverage the market to promote their business.
• Hiring a dedicated, seasonal part-time market manager.
For the second consecutive year, the market will be located at Centreville Plaza, 611 to 631 Railroad Avenue, on the lower lot near Queen Anne’s County High School. The market is hosted by Centreville Plaza LLC in partnership with Acme Markets. The location is made possible by Edward Scott, owner of Centreville Plaza, LLC. The Centreville Farmers’ Market is open Wednesdays only from 2 to 6 p.m. The Saturday market will be “paused” for the 2019 season.
Artisan bread returns this season
A new producer joining the market this year is A Sprinkle of Magic LLC, of Centreville, which will be providing a wide selection of artisan breads, gluten-free bread, bagels, scones and specialty cookies. The artisan bread selection includes whole wheat bread, sourdough, ciabatta, roasted garlic and rosemary artisan bread as well as gluten free artisan bread. Also new to the market this year will be Turning Point Farm of Barclay, who will sell a wide selection of vegetables. At press time additional farmers/producers include:
• Arlene’s Creations of Greensboro, baked goods and sewn items;
• Cedar Run Farm of Sudlersville, meat, chicken and eggs;
• Kristy’s Backyard Blooms of Centreville, flowers and plants;
• Lucky Dog Treats of Centreville, home-made dog treat;
• Lyon Distilling Company of St. Michaels, distilled spirits;
• Sand Hill Farm of Greensboro, fruits and vegetables, honey and cut flowers.
Centreville Farmers’ Market is still accepting farmer/producer, takeaway food and small business popup applications. To receive an application, email mainstreet@townofcentreville.org or call (410) 758-1180, ext. 17. To stay connected throughout the market season, “like” facebook.com/centrevillemarket and facebook.com/centrevillemainstreet.
PHOTO CAPTION (delivery truck)
Centreville Farmers’ Market will be delivering to homes and businesses this season through Beat the Rush, an existing personal shopper, grocery and food delivery business. From left, are Amanda Kidd, Beat the Rush, founder/CEO, and Centreville Farmers’ Market Advisory Group: Charlene Dilworth, Sand Hill Farm; Teri Peterson, Cedar Run Farm; and Lew Dodd, Cedar Run Farm. Not pictured is Arlene Warner of Arlene’s Creations.
PHOTO CAPTION
Centreville’s Libby Leary of A Sprinkle of Magic LLC will be baking artisan breads, scones, bagels and specialty cookies this market season. The market opens May 1, from 2 to 6 p.m. The first 150 shoppers will receive a free insulated bag.