Revamped Elkton Farmers Market looks to attract fresh produce vendors

ELKTON — A revitalization project of the Elkton Farmers Market will provide residents with access to fresh perishable goods in Downtown Elkton by the end of April.

The project utilizes county Video Lottery Terminal grant funds and is a partnership between the Town of Elkton and the Elkton Alliance.

Elkton Alliance Executive Director Alicia Calhoun said that she hopes revitalizing the Elkton Farmers Market — located at the corner of Bow St. and Howard St. — will bring in consistent vendors of fresh perishable goods.

“My goal would be having other perishable goods at the farmers market, like fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats and fresh flowers,” Calhoun said. “This revitalization is a way to build awareness because some people don’t even know that Elkton has a farmers market.”

So far, town officials have replaced rotting wood on the pavilion, repainted the structure, added new rain gutters and will soon add new rain collectors.

Officials are currently working to replace, update and add signage for the farmers market as well as secure additional grant funding to add electricity to the pavilion to allow for refrigeration and food trucks.

Town of Elkton Mayor Robert Alt said he is looking forward to the revitalized farmers market because it is another step towards bringing more people into Elkton.

“We are excited for this because we are constantly trying to bring more visitors to our downtown because it is the heart of our town,” Alt said.

The most important part of the revitalization, according to both Calhoun and Alt, is securing consistent vendors. To better attract vendors, availability for the farmers market is flexible, allowing permitted vendors to set up shop as frequently and as long as they would like, year round.

“The opportunity is there for it to be variable and people can do it based on the products they are selling or their availability,” Calhoun said. “I want it to be very flexible.”

To apply for a permit, vendors must fill out an application on the Town of Elkton’s website. Once vendors are approved and the remaining tasks of the revitalization are complete, town officials will host a ribbon cutting ceremony. The date of the opening is yet to be determined.