# HoCo Holler: Fresh, Locally Grown--Music?

Something exciting is going on at Howard County's Farmers Markets this season.
I'm sure you know you can get fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. You may have even bought plants, flowers and herbs. Now you can get meat and cheese, breads, baked goods, Thai sauces, coffee, wine and--violin?

Yes! The Farmer's Markets have added live music this year! I stopped by the Oakland Mills Farmers market recently and enjoyed fabulous violin playing while I shopped. I must admit to a home-village preference for the OM Market. Karen Gray and Sandy Cederbaum were instrumental in bring the market back to Oakland Mills, working with Howard County Economic Development who oversees the Howard County Farmer's Markets. The market grand opening was on Tuesday June 6, 2006. In 2007 the market moved to Sundays and it has been a very popular market ever since.

Now, how did I know that there was going to be music? Well, because I follow the Howard County Farmer's Markets on Facebook, of course. https://www.facebook.com/HowardCountyFarmersMarkets?ref=ts&fref=ts If you don't, you should. A big VG/TS HocoHoller to the team running the Farmers Market Facebook account. It is lively, informative, timely, and fun. They keep me up to date with what is in season, who will be visiting the market, new vendors, and special events. For background info and FAQ's, go to their website. http://www.howardcountyfarmersmarkets.com/index.html

I noticed at young woman from a group called Groundswell http://www.groundswell.org/ at the Market. They'll be having an informational Home Energy Workshop at the Other Barn in Oakland Mills on Tuesday, July 16th, from 7-8 pm. (5851 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, MD.) From Lindsey Warren-Shriner:

"Come Learn About:
How you can reduce your home’s energy use, make your home more comfortable, and save money on your energy bills.
Incentives and rebates available for weatherizing your home through Groundswell this summer, which can lower the cost of a $2,000 project to just $420."

I mustn't sign off without thanking all of the Farmers and other vendors whose participation keeps our markets vibrant and successful. Come on out to a Market near you and discover a new way to enjoy this #summerofneighbors.

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