Carroll County’s Department of Economic Development announced the inaugural Agritourism Passport program on May 29, inviting residents to visit participating farms and agricultural venues across the county this summer and fall.

Director Denise Beaver and agriculture development specialist Diana Hare said the program includes 21 participating sites. Visitors use a pocket passport to collect site stamps; passports turned in at any Carroll County Public Library branch or the county visitor center qualify for participation prizes and a grand‑prize drawing in November. The program runs June through October; hours, reservation requirements and site‑specific rules are indicated on the passport.

Hare summarized the program’s mechanics: “Your passport to summer fun is as easy as, visit stamp repeat,” and urged visitors to check each venue’s hours and reservation instructions before visiting. Staff said the county will deliver passports and posters to participating sites and will track venue participation to assess whether the program increases farm visits and local agritourism traffic.

Denise Beaver said the idea came from a local venue and county staff expanded it into a countywide campaign; organizers asked participants to limit one passport per group, family or individual. The passport includes an optional short essay prompt asking visitors to name their top three favorite locations and why; staff hope that feedback will help the county evaluate and improve the program for future years.

Commissioners and staff encouraged participants to share photos from visits on social media to help promote the county’s agricultural venues.