The Carroll County Ag Center, located in Westminster, Maryland in Carroll County, plays host to several events throughout the year. As a nonprofit committed to fostering an appreciation and understanding of local agriculture, many of the onsite happenings held here center on rural rites of passage, so to speak. For well over 50 years now it has served as the premier site for rodeos, livestock/equestrian events, 4-H and FFA Fairs, farm exhibitions, trade shows, and so much more.
There’s always something going on, every season. This, of course, includes the holiday season, which is going on now. So, what can you get into if you come by now through mid-December? Here’s your complete guide to holiday happenings and events taking place at the Carroll County Ag Center.
Local Art Guild Show (November 11)
The Ag Center runs seasonal Carroll County Farmer’s Markets and Craft Show setups during the Spring and Summer months. Then, they reopen the first Saturday in November for special Christmas Markets. Last week’s grand opening event, on November 4, was presented as Local Author’s Day, spotlighting various local authors who came out to do book signings.
This weekend, November 11, will be the Local Art Guild Show. Concurrent with all the usual 70+ market vendors setting up shop to sell baked goods, treats, crafts, and prospective holiday buys, local artists will also be onsite to showcase their original artwork. These, too, make great holiday gifts!
Holiday Open House (November 18)
The Christmas Market’s official Open House traditionally takes place the weekend before Thanksgiving. It is a perfect opportunity to shop, explore, and even place upcoming holiday orders from all your favorite vendors. It’s also an excellent way to pick up pies and other baked goods for that upcoming big dinner.
The Shipley Arena will also present a massive indoor flea market setup laden with plenty of antiques and gently used goods. The inventory ranges from clothing to books, CDs to tapes, toys, memorabilia, tools, and so much more.
Additionally, you may be interested to know that on Sunday, November 19, the Ag Center will be the site of the Great Westminster Train Show—a separate event that requires a nominal entrance fee. Held by the Deer Park Lions Club, it’s perfect for folks who are fascinated by model trains. You may even be able to pick up a couple of much-needed items for your own Christmas Train Garden at home.
Sykesville Holiday Marketplace Craft Vendor Show (November 25)
November 25 is a big day for Ag Center festivities because, in addition to the regularly occurring weekend Christmas Market, the 10th Annual Sykesville Holiday Craft Vendor Show will be held on location. Featuring more than 150 carefully selected vendors of handmade crafts as well as sellers offering items from direct sale companies, this is hands-down one of the most happening events here every year. There’s just so much to check out including holiday and home décor, specialty food and drinks, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork, and more.
Kids can also enjoy numerous activities and highlighting attractions during the event, including free face painting, reptile interactions, and even visits with Santa Claus himself! It’s an awesome all-in-one way to get all your holiday shopping done and enjoy a fun family outing for all ages to enjoy.
Click here to learn more about the Sykesville Holiday Marketplace.
Mrs. Claus is Coming to Town (December 2)
Santa may attend the Sykesville Holiday Marketplace, but Mrs. Claus will be in the house on December 2. All other vendor sales and showcases will still take place as regularly scheduled, but this added highlight gives young visitors the chance to compose letters to Santa and directly hand them over to Mrs. Claus to have them delivered in person to her husband.
Get Your Greens Sale! (December 9)
While you can still get all your favorite handmade crafts, baked goods, and other specialty and novelty items, the anchoring focus for the day on December 9 will be the widespread fresh greens sale. On this day several vendors will be featuring beautifully crafted pine wreaths and other holiday arrangements for consideration.
The Final Carroll County Farmer’s Market and Craft Show of the Year (December 16)
The final Carroll County Farmer’s Market and Craft Show of the year will take place on December 16. This is your last chance to snag all those goodies you’re hoping to serve (or gift to loved ones) in time for the holiday season. And it’s a sendoff event you won’t want to miss. After this, there won’t be another weekend farmer’s market until Spring 2024!
Do note that even though the farmer’s markets officially end following the December 16 finale, the AG Center will continue to bring you events all winter long to warm the heart. In keeping with the festive holiday season, you may be interested to know that the Hurricane Racing Tours Auto Show & Toys for Tots event will also be concurring with the December 16 market and will also be ongoing on Sunday, December 17. This is a separate ticketed opportunity on location that does come with a nominal fee. Click here for more details.
Unless otherwise specified, most of the Ag Center events I’ve highlighted are free for the public to come out and enjoy. To learn more about all other ongoing seasonal Carroll County Farmers Market events, visit their website at this link.
The Carroll County Agriculture Center and Shipley Arena is located at 700 Ag Center Drive, Westminster, MD 21157. To learn more about activities and events taking place here, or to find out general information including directions and hours of operation, visit their website at www.carrollcountyagcenter.com.