BETHESDA CENTRAL

FARM MARKET

ADVISORY REGARDING

PARKING AT

TODAY'S MARKET

Farmers Market Issues Statement After

County Government Expresses Concern for

Safety of Children at Bethesda ES

During Market Hours

Another Robert Dyer @ Bethesda Row Exclusive!!!

The Bethesda Central Farm Market is OPEN today, Easter Sunday, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Bethesda ES on Arlington Road.

However, they have issued a parking advisory.

BCFM asks all those capable of walking a block to *please* park at the Bethesda Library on Arlington Road, or in the public garage in the first block of St. Elmo Avenue. All those who cannot/do not wish to walk are welcome to park in the Bethesda ES lot.

This announcement is in response to Montgomery County Government expressing concern for the safety of children, who are attending other activities at Bethesda ES on Sunday mornings. As reported here last week, the lot filled up last Sunday, and the variety of activities happening concurrently may have led to the jam.

However, one must ask, if the county knew children would be trying to get to other events at the school, why did they insist that BCFM move to Bethesda ES?

Secondly, while no one will force you to walk, the directives may well dissuade potential attendees.

Third, the idea of parking at the Bethesda Library is counterintuitive; many people's first reaction may be, "Do I have to pay? Will cars be towed?" Thanks to bad county council policy - hitting up citizens for cash to go to the library - the library lot has a very negative perception among the general public.

But apparently you can park there today.

Well, parking aside, here's what to expect at today's market:

First, Cowgirl Creamery and Virginia Diner Peanuts make their 2012 debuts at the market.

Farm-fresh eggs will be available, and you can talk to the farmer directly to find out exactly where your eggs came from, and the conditions under which they were produced. Another advantage of buying local!

And Vernon will have fresh fish for your Easter feast tonight!

Give credit to the market, vendors, and customers: it's been a rough week PR-wise - and remember, this move was not the market's idea; they were forced to do this by the county - but loyalties are intact.

Enjoy the market today, and have a great Easter and Passover!