Bel Air Farmers' Market Ready for 36th Season

The is more than fruits and vegetables. When it opens for its 36th season Saturday, friends will reunite.

“It’s really often a nice social atmosphere,” said Andrea Kestner, an administrator who works at the BAFM. “It’s a community-oriented market. A lot of people plan on meeting there every week. They get their coffee and they get a baked good from a vendor.”

But even veteran patrons can expect some surprises this year. Pheasant, quail and partridge are among the vendor additions.

And beginning in June, a pair of local restaurants’ chefs will prepare food using ingredients available at the market.

“They are going to be using as much products from the vendors as possible in their recipes,” Kestner said.

An representative will cook on the first Saturday in June through August while a chef will visit on the third Saturday of the same months.

Local music acts will also perform throughout the season, which runs through November.

Saturday markets are 7-11 a.m. at 2 S. Bond St. while Tuesday markets are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 502 Boulton St. across from and .