THE HAMPSTEAD FARMERS' MARKET

Our first season began on June 12, 2010, the second Saturday in June, and continued each Saturday through September. Local farmers and volunteers - in partnership with the Town of Hampstead and the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department - worked to bring the best of nature’s bounty to the community. A grassroots effort, the market was conceived by local residents Sharon Callahan and Marlene Duff. The two went on to successfully manage the market, in an all-volunteer capacity, for ten years and in 2019 (their last year) the market reported a record 35,229 visitors over eighteen Saturdays. For its first eleven years the Hampstead Farmers’ Market was held on the grounds of the Hampstead Volunteer Fire Department. It evolved from its humble beginnings to feature not only live music and freshly prepared breakfast for purchase each Saturday, but special event days that included free face painting, magic shows and live demonstrations.

 

In 2020 local resident Keith Johnson, who was already a member of the Hampstead Farmers’ Market Advisory Team as a customer representative, volunteered to take on the role of market manager. He faced a tough inaugural season due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but managed with grace and dedication. He remains market manager today. Beginning in 2021, the market moved to a permanent new location just around the corner on the grounds of the Panther Sports Academy (formerly North Carroll High School) 1400 Panther Drive in Hampstead. Held every Saturday June through September from 8:30 am - 12 noon, the market is supported by vendor fees and local business sponsorships. It’s run by the all-volunteer Hampstead Farmers’ Market Advisory Team made up of a market manager, town representative, vendor reps, community reps, and a media liaison.

 

Although vendors and offerings may vary, visitors can usually expect to shop for local, farm-fresh produce, meats, free-range eggs, a wide variety of baked goods, jams and jellies, salsas, marinated olives and olive oils, annual and perennials, fresh cut flowers, local honey, locally-roasted coffee, handmade soap, a variety of quality, locally created artisan items and crafts, cheeses, and much more! The market normally welcomes anywhere from 25-40 vendors each Saturday. There is no charge for admission, free parking, and handicap accessibility. The market still features live music and freshly prepared breakfast for purchase each Saturday (another way of supporting local artists, nonprofits and local businesses).

 

Although the Covid-19 pandemic which began in 2020 threw many challenges and obstacles to the market, it was held in a low-key fashion without live music that season. In “normal” times, the market is a weekly meeting place for friends and neighbors to gather and enjoy spending time with each other in a welcoming and fun atmosphere. We hope you can join us!