Canton Waterfront Farmer’s Market – Shop local. Shop fresh.

The Canton Waterfront Farmer’s Market, located at the Canton Waterfront Park at 3001 Boston Street, runs every Wednesday from 3:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. through October 31. Market goers can peruse 20+ vendors including farmers, crafters, and specialty prepared foods as well as enjoy live music by local artists.

Below is an interview we recently conducted with Merritt Dworkin, a Fell’s Point resident and the founder/organizer of the Canton Waterfront and Fell’s Point Farmers’ Markets. She’s excited to finally bring the market to Canton as it’s been in the works for a few years.

What can we expect at the Canton Waterfront Farmer’s Market?

The offerings are diverse: music, locally grown produce, eggs, meat, cheese, and freshly baked bread as well as crafted artisan foods and baked goods. There is also a variety of grab-and-go food that you can eat at the park or take home for those on the run!

Who are some of the vendors?

Albright Farms, Old Line Distillery, Balti'Marons, Cuples Tea, DMV Empanadas, Thai Street, Black Bottom Farms, SoBeachy Haitian Cuisine, A Friendly Bread, Cheese Galore and More, The Baltimore Spirits Company, Phil's Dills (Gourmet Pickles), Messy Buddha hand poured soaps, Blended Oils and Soy Candles, Cajaou Vegan Ice Cream, Boordy Wines, Beads By Bettina, Art By Barton, Moses Family Jerky, Earthshake Acai Bowls and Fresh Juices, Dundalk Dan's Beef Jerky, Dough Boy Stuffed Pretzels and more. (While we have many regulars, the vendors are subject to change each week.)

Why did you pick Canton?

Over the past four years, I had been approached by different Canton associations/groups and asked to bring a Farmer’s Market to the neighborhood. This past year, the CCA really stepped up their interest and efforts to help, so I decided to move forward coordinating the market. Wednesday was selected for 2 reasons: 1) the availability of vendors based on their already full schedules with commitments to other existing markets, especially on the weekend, and 2) to provide mid-week access for shopping local.

Merritt Dworkin, hard at work!

We also took into consideration the park’s proximity to the Water Taxi (Landing #16) and I-95. This location offers access to both Eastside residents and commuters. And with lots of free parking, the Canton Waterfront Park makes it easy for anyone to visit the market and relax in a beautiful setting while supporting area merchants.

What do you like most about the Canton Community?

I love the community vibe. Canton has a vibe that welcomes you and encourages conversation, and interaction. There is a shared love of the neighborhood and all of the variety and energy it has to offer.

How is the neighborhood responding?

We’re happy to see people attending, but we were hoping to see more. Past conversations seemed to align with the want for this type of weekly event, however, the turnout has not been what we anticipated. We are seeing a slight trend of "early bird" shoppers that include moms with babies, work-from-homers taking a break, and some of our more "mature" neighbors from nearby Future Care that LOVE the earlier start time of 3:30. We’d like to see more Canton residents coming by after work as the market is open until 7:30 p.m. It would be great if everyone could help spread the word so more people, residents and commuters alike, will support the market.

Can we expect different vendors for Fall?

We add and/or alternate vendors based on the community support and vendor availability. Most will remain the same for this season and we hope to end the first season strong!

Is there anything you’d like the community to know?

I want to thank everyone for coming; the community’s support is essential to the market’s success. I also want to encourage Cantonites to spread the word about the Canton Waterfront Farmer’s Market. In order to keep the event growing, and in anticipation of bringing it back bigger and stronger for NEXT season, we need the community to be actively invested. Your patronage is key to the market’s future. So, please join us by the water for a great local shopping experience. Walk, water taxi, bike, jog, drive, or scooter over and I’ll see you next Wednesday!

For more information or to chat with Merritt, visit www.facebook.com/cantonwaterfrontfarmersmarket/