OP Farmers Market to announce Market Achievement Awards, Jan. 8

(Dec. 6, 2021) Behind the name “Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market” are a dedicated group of merchants, volunteers, community partners and market leadership that brings the marketplace to the public each week of the year.  

After 10 successful years, the market continues to be an essential part of the local food and handmade product system in Worcester County, offering the community a central place to gather and shop for those local products. 

On Jan. 8, the market will recognize individuals, groups and businesses that contributed to the market’s success with the 2022 Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market Achievement Awards. 

The Ocean Pines Market will recognize with honors a legacy merchant, an outstanding marketplace leader, and a dedicated marketplace volunteer. Awards will also be bestowed in several other categories, including Best Marketplace Storefront and Outstanding Social Media Promotion.  

"It's always incredible to see how much love and labor our merchants put into their market businesses," Assistant Market Manager John Chandler said. "We want to recognize these efforts that make the Ocean Pines market one of the most unique public markets in this region." 

Other award categories will include Artisan of the Year, Green Market Merchant of the Year, Peddler Merchant of the Year, and overall Market Merchant of the Year. 

"To the average marketgoer, it might seem like the market just sort of happens. We can assure you that this is not the case,” Market Manager David Bean said. “We couldn't function without our entire market team, and we want to give them a big thank you with these honors.” 

Bean said 120 merchants participated in the Ocean Pines Farmers and Artisans Market this year. The market will accept new merchant applications, starting in February.   

"We will be searching for potential merchants with new and different products to add to our lineup," Chandler said.  

Additionally, The Ocean Pines market will hold a special weekday Christmas Market on Thursday, Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at its White Horse Park location.  

The market will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day and Jan. 1 for New Year's Day.  

The Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, through February. In-season hours return in March, with the market open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

For more information, visit /web/pages/farmers-artisans-market.