Owings Mills Farmers Market No Longer in Limbo, Opens in June

If you've been wondering whether the fledgling farmers market in Owings Mills would last, you had good reason.

"We regret to inform you that the Owings Mills Farmers Market will not be taking place this year," read its Facebook page on May 3. "Thank you for your support." 

A few days later, a new message indicated that plans were pending. Locals posted messages of hope and support.

"Really hope to hear good news!" Katrina Mills wrote in a comment. "Miss you all and really want to come visit and get some yummy goods!!"

Good news is here: The market is on and will run from June 12 to October 30 at its original location at the , said Kim Hess, new head of management and owner of Hess Produce. Hours have been adjusted to open it from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. 

The market was originally founded by Paul Saval of Saval Foods and Brian Sandeross in 2009. Its existence was called into question after a failed attempt to expand, Hess said. The two, along with manager Ryan Couto, had hoped to move the 2011 market to a new location.

"The market was in limbo because we were looking for a space that we thought … would get more traffic from passersby," Couto said. "We were holding off on that and had places in mind, but neither panned out. By the time we realized it wasn't happening, it was too late."

Or so they thought. Hess, of Media, PA, said she first participated in the market halfway through the season last year and knew it had potential. When she realized it was in jeopardy, she decided the tradition deserved another shot.

"We can't expand on something that doesn't exist," she said. " And where I come from, us Philly chicks don't take no for an answer."

Hess began working the phones, talking with Saval, Sandeross, Couto and JCC officials to get the market back on track. 

"We called Paul and said, we don't really want to give it up," Hess said. "Just because it didn't meet your vision doesn't mean that we don't like it. Now you're eliminating everyone else's vision. Without the vendors there is no market." 

Not all the details have been hammered out yet, Hess said, but the important thing is that the time and location are set, and vendors are interested in participating. Hess and her husband operate a farm called "Country Comfort Orchards" and sell their produce in Media, PA, on Wednesdays as well as at Jim's Farmers Market in Chambersburg, PA, on Fridays and Saturdays.

Couto said he's glad the Owings Mills Farmers Market still has a chance. 

"She's certainly got the energy for it, which is the most important thing," Couto said. "It takes markets a few years to get established. It's a little bit sad for me to kind of let it go at this point, but I'm glad it didn't just die."

For more information, reach Kim Hess using the contact form at hessproduce.com or visit the Farmers Market Facebook page.