Buy Local Challenge celebrates 10th anniversary
In July 2007, the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) launched the Buy Local Challenge (BLC), a promotion during the last full week of July that encourages consumers to buy Maryland farm foods. Each year, the BLC has grown in size and popularity engaging consumers around the state to “pledge to eat local” and support their local farms.
To mark the 10th Anniversary of the BLC, SMADC will host a celebration event of farms, food and fun “Southern Maryland Style”, to showcase producers from the land and water that represent Maryland’s vibrant agriculture. Open to the public, the event will be held on the evening of Monday, July 31 at 5:30 p.m. at Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Brandywine.
The 10th Anniversary Celebration features tastings of local farm products from vendors of fruits, vegetables, meats, wine and other locally produced beverages, ice cream, baked goods, and more. Event highlights include, a locally-sourced Southern Maryland style buffet dinner, live music, the Suttler Post Farm Clydesdales, a raffle and lawn games, and the opportunity to purchase from Maryland farmers, producers, artisans, and crafters. Ticketed guests will also receive a ‘Buy Local’ insulated tote bag for their farm food purchases.
Event tickets must be purchased in advance and are available now on a first come first serve basis until sold out. To purchase a ticket and for full event details visit the ‘What’s New Page’ at SMADC.com.
The Buy Local Challenge 10th Anniversary Celebration event is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and in part by Grow & Fortify, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, MARBIDCO, Maryland’s Best, Maryland Farm Bureau, R&D Cross, Inc. and the Rural Maryland Council.
Household hazardous waste collection scheduled for June 3
The Charles County Department of Public Works would like to remind residents that the next household hazardous waste collection for this year will be held on Saturday, June 3. The household hazardous waste collection site is located in the parking lot of the Department of Public Works building, located at 10430 Audie Lane, off of Radio Station Road in La Plata. Collection hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Household hazardous waste collection will occur on the first Saturday of each month through December. Upcoming 2017 collection dates are: June 3, July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4, and Dec. 2.
For more information, call the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division at 301-932-3599 or 301-870-2778, or the landfill and recycling information line at 301-932-5656.