PORT REPUBLIC, Md. – The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC), a division of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland announces the Save-the-Date for the Annual ‘Buy Local Challenge Celebration’. This event highlights Maryland-grown products and regional artisans.
Scheduled for Monday, July 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the celebration will take place at Rolling Acres Farm & Tettimer’s Produce in Calvert County. This family-friendly event supports the region’s agricultural community and invites the public to explore local produce and artisan creations.
Rolling Acres Farm, owned and operated by the Tettimer family, is an agritourism destination that opened in 2023. With a legacy dating back to the 1940s, the farm has served as a gathering place while producing livestock, tobacco, and grain. Its warm hospitality and inviting atmosphere make it an ideal venue for community events.
Vendor applications for the Celebration are now available! Anticipated attendance is expected to reach between 700 and 1,000 people. The celebration invites local farms, producers, artisans, and crafters to showcase Maryland’s rich agricultural resources. Eligible vendors include those offering meats, dairy, produce, cottage foods, artisanal beverages, seafood, and handmade crafts.
Vendors must meet specific criteria, including obtaining relevant food service licenses and permits:
Food Vendors: Display necessary licenses for selling meats, dairy, seafood, and processed foods. Refer to the Calvert County Health Department’s permit information for specifics.
Cottage Foods: No license is required, but vendors must adhere to Maryland Department of Health guidelines.
Alcohol Vendors: Must acquire state liquor licenses and include liquor liability in their insurance.
All vendors must possess a Certificate of Liability Insurance with coverage of at least $1 million, and alcohol vendors require additional liquor liability coverage. Artisans and crafters are invited to submit applications for handmade items that reflect local culture and utilize natural materials, with preference given to products highlighting local farms and producers.
Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, and confirmations will be provided by SMADC staff. Confirmed vendors will receive promotional support via the BLC website and social media channels. APPLY HERE
For additional information, contact Sabrina Dobbins at (240) 528-8850, ext. 327, or via email at SDobbins@smadc.com. For more details, visit https://www.smadc.com.