Prince Frederick, MD – Calvert County residents are urged to support local farmers, watermen, and artisans during the Maryland Buy Local Challenge, held from July 17 to July 27, 2025, during Buy Local Week. Organized by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and the State of Maryland, the challenge encourages Marylanders to eat at least one locally produced item daily for a week, boosting the agricultural community and promoting sustainability.
The Maryland Buy Local Challenge highlights the value of local products, from fresh produce to handcrafted goods. “We’re proud to highlight the amazing variety of products our local farmers, watermen, and artisans provide,” said Julie Oberg, Economic Development Director. “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.”
Choosing local food offers multiple benefits. It’s fresher, more nutritious, and reduces the environmental impact of transportation. Local purchases support cleaner air and water while keeping economic benefits within the community. According to the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, if every Maryland household spent $12 weekly on local farm products for eight weeks, it would inject over $200 million into the state’s farming economy.
Participating in the Maryland Buy Local Challenge is simple. Residents can incorporate local items into daily meals, such as fresh eggs for breakfast, Chesapeake Bay blue crabs for dinner, or local fruit as a snack. Complement meals with local beer, wine, or artisanal products like beeswax candles or Maryland-grown wooden serving boards. Calvert County’s farmers markets provide convenient access to these goods during the 2025 season.
Farmers Market Schedules The Maryland Buy Local Challenge aligns with Calvert County’s farmers market season, offering prime opportunities to shop local:
- Tuesdays in Prince Frederick at CalvertHealth Medical Center back parking lot, 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, 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, 8-11:30 a.m., April 19 to Oct. 25, 2025 (Town of North Beach municipal market).
A highlight of Buy Local Week is the Maryland Buy Local Challenge Celebration Event on July 28, 2025, from 5-8 p.m. at Tettimers’ Produce in Benedict. This family-friendly event features over 35 vendors offering farm-raised meats, dairy, produce, flowers, oysters, baked goods, jams, soaps, and crafts. Local wineries, breweries, and distilleries will provide tastings. Tickets cost $5, with free admission for children 6 and under. Each ticket includes a complimentary insulated shopping tote with ice, a raffle entry, carriage rides with Suttler Post Farm Clydesdales, pony rides with Mary’s Go Round, and access to the Rolling Acres Farm petting pen. Tickets are available online until 4 p.m. on July 28 at www.buylocalchallenge.com/blc-celebration.
The Maryland Buy Local Challenge fosters community engagement and supports Calvert County’s agricultural heritage. By choosing local products, residents contribute to a sustainable economy and celebrate the region’s farmers, watermen, and artisans. The challenge encourages small, intentional choices that create lasting economic and environmental benefits.
