By Cooper Fojas

The weekly Farmers Market at the University of Maryland took over Tawes Plaza for the last time of the year Wednesday, opening its tents with a temperature in the low 40s. 

Dubbed the “Holiday Market,” students and staff were given one more chance to shop for locally produced jams, jewelry, popcorn and vintage clothing before break. Hot apple cider was also available on a first come, first served basis.

“You can’t say ‘no’ to the food that’s here,” senior graphic design major Tobe Peabody said. “It’s great to be able to support local vendors.”

The Farmers Market, which has been a campus tradition since 2012, had its first Holiday Market 

in 2016 inside Stamp Student Union and moved to Tawes Plaza two years ago.

For vendors, the end of the semester marks the beginning of a four-month hiatus. The spring season begins in April and runs through the end of the school year.

“You see some of the same kids and start to form relationships with them,” said Dotty Hare, co-owner of Country Vittles in Biglerville, Pennsylvania. “Then in the fall, you start the whole process over again.”

The market aims to highlight local producers, as vendors must be headquartered within 250 miles of College Park. Students are also able to sell homemade food and handcrafted goods.

Even without the market, the offseason is a busy time for dining services manager Larry Tumlin, who holds a cooking demonstration each week at noon with free samples.

“We’re already getting things in place for next year,” Tumlin said. “There’s usually a good amount of students who reach out with great ideas.”

For students, the Holiday Market comes a week before final exams. Junior kinesiology major Jacob Fabiani said the market was an opportunity to relieve stress during the busy time.

“You’re able to take your mind off of finals and projects, even if it’s just for a few minutes,” Fabiani said. “I can sit down and study with a fresh jar of cider.”

To keep up with Farmers Market information or to apply as a volunteer, students are encouraged to follow the market’s official social media accounts. The market often collaborates with other volunteer services around campus, including Terp Farm and the university’s Campus Pantry.

“We enjoy this market because people are happy to see us,” said owner of Carol’s Citchen, Carol Martin. “It’s always about the people.”

Featured Image: the Holiday Market on Dec. 6, 2023. Photo by Cooper Fojas