The Bel Air Garden Mart will take place on Friday, May 5th from 9:00am – 1:00pm in the Reckord Armory on Main Street.
“The Garden Mart started in the Town of Bel Air in 1927 and the very first one raised $154 that mostly went to the library for beautification,” says Sue McCue who is organizing the event. Ms. McCue is a member of the Friendship Garden Club, is a Harford County Master Gardener and currently serves as a member of the Town of Bel Air Appearance and Beautification Committee which organizes the annual Garden Mart.
While the event has traditionally been held in front of the Courthouse, this year the Committee decided to move inside the Bel Air Reckord Armory. Participating organizations include the Country Garden Club, Evergreen Garden Club, Friendship Garden Club and the Harford County Master Gardeners. They each will lend their expertise to guests as well as offer a wide variety of seasonal plantings. Also, for the first time, students from North Harford High School’s Natural Resources and Agricultural Science Magnet Program will also participate by selling annuals, floral arrangements and crafts made by the Art Department.
Those attending can expect to find a variety of spring plants, flowers and hanging baskets as well as plenty of advice from local garden club members and Master Gardeners who will be available to answer questions. There will also be a variety of crafts available including birdhouses, decorated trays, and mirrors. Ms. McCue stated that the event is the main fundraiser for the garden clubs and that the proceeds from the event help to fund garden club initiatives including, but not limited to, scholarships for high school students, Habitat for Humanity efforts and Anna’s House.
In addition to the shopping opportunities, live entertainment will be featured throughout the day. This year’s entertainment will feature Matt Kineke, a local singer and acoustic guitarist, and Just Having Fun Singers. Lunch will also be available in the Armory from Bel Air’s 2016 Business of the Year winner, Sunny Day Café or it’s a quick walk to one of the many other popular restaurants located downtown. To satisfy your sweet tooth, a baked goods table will also be available.
Ms. McCue added “The Appearance and Beautification Committee cares about the beautification of the Town and about being involved in the community. There is a mutual benefit of the Town helping the garden clubs and the garden clubs helping the Town and it all benefits the community.” The Bel Air Garden Mart is a great opportunity to spend time in downtown Bel Air and get everything you need to make your yard a show-stopper this season. Always lots to see and do in Bel Air!
