Under Achieving Amish?

[red_explorer]

Dutch Country Markets

Why do Laurel, Annapolis, and Upper Marlboro all have year round Amish Markets and Southern Maryland does not? We actually have Amish in our community, but only have a seasonal shanty town market in front of the CH Library? One group seems to be able to truck down from Lancaster county and the other...well...doesn't make sense. Even better, the old IGA in CH is a second hand store & it looks like McKay's is about to relocate. This leaves an opportunity for our own Amish community to move out of their shanty town into permanent digs with refrigeration and other creature comforts likely to enhance their business and help their community grow. Are they just under achievers? Do our local economic development people even notice or care? Let me put it this way. Big empty former grocery store with an Amish buggy trail leading up to it that passes the eyesore shanty town seasonal market...hmmm! Don't get me wrong. I love the Amish, in fact, I'd love to see them flourish rather than struggle in a seasonal market.

Because the markets in Annapolis and Laurel are not operated by locals. Everything is trucked in from PA. Also, those working at the markets are usually Mennonites. You can purchase local produce and goods year round here. You just have to go directly to the farms. And yes, our local leaders do care, but are also constrained by the Amish and Mennonite beliefs.

 

[vraiblonde]

It allows for people to start small and grow as their business grows.

Well you better believe Maryland won't be doing that.

 

[kom526]

Well you better believe Maryland won't be doing that.

:werd:
OR they will allow it long enough to tax them into oblivion.

 

[MarieB]

Well you better believe Maryland won't be doing that.

It's not just Maryland, and not just Blue states

 

[fatratcat]

Any ideas about how to help them cut through the red tape? I'm not being a smart alec, but how do the Amish from PA manage to do it? They seem to have cleared all of the obstacles mentioned in Laurel, Upper Marlboro, and Annapolis. Honestly, I don't think St. Mary's has more legitimate or illegitimate hurdles than PG county (ie pay to play scandals).

 

[fatratcat]

Our local Amish sell seasonal goods. What would they sell from September to April? Most fruits, flowers & veggies are gone.

Bake goods, meat, dairy, furniture, crafts, and other goods and services.

 

[fatratcat]

The health department and other county and state agencies hate the Amish so they enacted all these laws concerning what they sell to the public, inn the name of "public health". Why is McDonald's still open? Ever seen an obese Amish person? They must be doing something right.

How do the Amish in Laurel, Annapolis, and Upper Marlboro pull it off? Seems to me like PG county is a lot more corrupt than St. Mary's. It takes me back to the point, why can't or won't our Amish open a permanent market? On a lighter note, at least, none of our commissioners have been caught stuffing cash into their underdrawers when the law gets to knockin' on the front door!

 

[fatratcat]

Are you asking me if that is what you believe?

No. I'm wearing my big boy pants...that's what I believe.

 

[red_explorer]

How do the Amish in Laurel, Annapolis, and Upper Marlboro pull it off? Seems to me like PG county is a lot more corrupt than St. Mary's. It takes me back to the point, why can't or won't our Amish open a permanent market? On a lighter note, at least, none of our commissioners have been caught stuffing cash into their underdrawers when the law gets to knockin' on the front door!

Those in Laurel (which, if they're still in the same location, it's Burtonsville and Montgomery County) and in Annapolis are coming in through PA's Department of Agriculture. They have a special dispensation for Dutch Country Market.

A good idea would be to contact Donna Sasscer at the Ag and Seafood Commission in St Mary's. She is very involved in starting permanent farmers markets. St. Mary's County Government

And just so you know, our Amish and Mennonites do have a permanent market, at Loveville Produce Auction.

 

[fatratcat]

Those in Laurel (which, if they're still in the same location, it's Burtonsville and Montgomery County) and in Annapolis are coming in through PA's Department of Agriculture. They have a special dispensation for Dutch Country Market.

A good idea would be to contact Donna Sasscer at the Ag and Seafood Commission in St Mary's. She is very involved in starting permanent farmers markets. St. Mary's County Government

And just so you know, our Amish and Mennonites do have a permanent market, at Loveville Produce Auction.

Awesome! Thank you very much for the information!