PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – July 14, 2025 – Calvert County residents are encouraged to support local farmers, waterman and artisans by participating in the Maryland Buy Local Challenge, taking place during Buy Local Week, from Thursday, July 17, through Sunday, July 27.
Each year, Calvert County joins with State of Maryland and the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission for the Buy Local Challenge, asking Marylanders to pledge to eat at least one locally grown or produced item every day for a week. This simple commitment helps strengthen our agricultural community and supports long-term sustainability.
“We’re proud to highlight the amazing variety of products our local farmers, watermen, and artisans provide,” said Economic Development Director Julie Oberg. “Supporting local agriculture strengthens our economy, sustains family businesses and builds meaningful connections between consumers and the people who produce their food. When we choose to buy local, we help preserve the character and heritage that make our region so special.”
Buying local food is not only fresher and more nutritious, but also better for the environment and the local economy. Supporting local farms helps promote cleaner air and water, reduces the carbon footprint from transportation and keeps dollars in the local community. If every Maryland household spent just $12 a week on local farm products for eight weeks, it would return more than $200 million to the state's farming economy.
There are many ways to participate in the annual statewide challenge. The Department of Economic Development suggests adding one or two local items a day to your meals – fresh eggs and bacon with breakfast, a snack of local fruit or veggies, some Chesapeake Bay blue crabs caught by a local waterman, complemented by your favorite local beer or wine. Brighten your table with handmade candles crafted with locally harvested beeswax, serving boards and spoons made from Maryland-grown woods or a bouquet of locally grown flowers.
The Calvert County Farmers Markets offer a great and convenient opportunity to support local agriculture and celebrate Buy Local Week.
The 2025 market season:
· Tuesdays in Prince Frederick at CalvertHealth Medical Center back parking lot (130 Hospital Road) 2:30-5:30 p.m., April 29 to Nov. 25, 2025
Farmers Market Association market
· Thursdays in Dunkirk at the entrance of Dunkirk District Park
(10750 Southern Maryland Blvd.) 2:30-5:30 p.m., May 22 to Aug. 28, 2025
Farmers Market Association market
· Saturdays in North Beach at the North Beach Senior Center parking lot
(9010 Chesapeake Ave.) 8-11:30 a.m., April 19 to Oct. 25, 2025
Town of North Beach municipal market
Join us for the Buy Local Challenge Celebration Event on Monday, July 28, from 5-8 p.m., rain or shine, at Tettimers’ Produce (3305 St. Leonard Road, in Benedict). This family-friendly event will feature more than 35 vendors in a farmers’ market-style setting where visitors can shop for farm-raised meats and dairy, fresh produce, flowers, oysters, baked goods, jams, handmade soaps and local arts and crafts. Maryland wineries, breweries and distilleries will also offer tastings.
Tickets are $5, and children age 6 and under are admitted free. Tickets are available online until 4 p.m. Monday, July 28. Each ticket includes a complimentary insulated shopping tote with ice, entry into a free raffle, carriage rides with the Suttler Post Farm Clydesdales, pony rides with Mary’s Go Round and access to the Rolling Acres Farm petting pen. For tickets and directions, visit www.buylocalchallenge.com/blc-celebration.
To learn more about Calvert County’s agricultural community or get updates on local agri-businesses, visit www.CalvertAg.com or contact the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at 410-535-4583 or info@choosecalvert.com.
Find information on Calvert County Government services online at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov. Stay up to date with Calvert County Government on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CalvertCountyMd and YouTube at www.youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.
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