Support Local Agriculture

Carroll County farmers and agribusinesses have been known for years to produce the best fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, baked goods and wine.

Did you know many of our local restaurants also support our local farms by purchasing many of their hearty products? It’s true and you can join in the movement by taking the Buy Local Challenge.

The Buy Local Challenge is a pledge to eat a minimum of one item from a local farm each day during Carroll County’s designated Buy Local Week, August 1st - 8th. This incentive is your opportunity to discover the numerous farms, farmers’ markets, wineries, bakeries and restaurants offering fresh, great tasting -  and most importantly -  local edible products available in Carroll County. Buying local helps support the local economy and preserve Carroll’s rural character.

To assist you in locating fresh, locally grown products, restaurants or butchers visit Carroll’s agricultural website at www.carrollag.org or pickup the 2009 “Carroll County, Maryland Farmers’ Markets” brochure at local libraries and tourism centers. The brochure features 24 farmers’ markets and farm locations offering local fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats, baked goods, honey, jams & jellies, flowers and other unique products. This colorful new brochure is sure to get your taste buds flowing!

In addition to edible goods, the brochure highlights special events and includes a handy farm locator map. Consider this your scenic guide to fresh, great tasting, local products throughout Carroll County.

The annual Carroll County 4H/FFA Fair (July 25th – 31st) at the Carroll County Agricultural Center in Westminster, is a great local attraction that offers the opportunity to support Carroll’s youth while also supporting the Buy Local Challenge. Join the week-long events featuring live music, the cake auction and culminating with the youth project livestock auction. If you’ve never been to the Carroll County 4H/FFA Fair consider attending this year and support the Buy Local Challenge.

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Ravens Come to Roost in Westminster

The NFL’s Baltimore Ravens kick off their 14th consecutive summer training camp at McDaniel College in Westminster with two practices (8:45am & 3:30pm) on Tuesday, July 28th, and break camp on Sunday, August 23rd.

McDaniel’s current agreement with the Ravens will keep the annual summer camp on their campus through 2010. The Ravens camp is historically a boost to local tourism, drawing nearly 100,000 spectators to Westminster.

When visiting training camp, make sure to spend some time in Ravenstown, a fun interactive area for fans of all ages. Held between the practice fields, Ravenstown provides fans with football skill challenges, concessions, a Ravens team store, sponsor displays and information tents. Also, stop by the Carroll County Tourism booth for the latest information about local destinations and events.

Visit the Baltimore Ravens' training camp website for a complete schedule and more information. Practices are subject to change so call 410-261-RAVE (7283) and press "6" to confirm the daily practice schedule before you go.