Crisp Asparagus, Promise of Strawberries Draw Loyal Customers

What was the Security Square area's loss nearly a decade ago has become Catonsville's gain.

Since a terror threat shut down a group of farmers operating a Wednesday market at the Social Security Administration building in 2002, the small group of vendors, as well as a few new ones, have been at the Bloomsbury Community Center in Catonsville on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Last week was the market's official opening for the season, but this week brought more customers and better weather.

Cindy Yingling, one of the organizers who runs Glenville Hollow Farms in Pennsylvania, said she still had many local customers out last week despite the rain. This week, she saw even more.

"We have some very loyal customers," she said.

Wednesday's selection included lots of greens, some asparagus (which sold out quickly) and dozens of vegetables and flowers for planting. The market is smaller, with fewer than 10 vendors, but Yingling said many people tell her they like it that way.

"There are a lot of families and mothers who actually like coming down here during the week," she said. "It's easier to get around."

Steve Klesse, one of the owners of Swamp Fox Farms, also in Pennsylvania, said over the years he has even planted some fruits and vegetables because of customers' requests.

"Oranges are kind of hard," he said. "But I have lemons and limes."

Throughout the summer, the market will add another produce vendor, as well as a meat vendor and a maple syrup vendor. Next week, several vendors expect to have strawberries.

For a complete list of the vendors, go here.

Also this week, Catonsville's Sunday Farmers' Market, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, opens. Details are available .