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City staff, Hub City Brewery discuss moving Hagerstown farmers market indoors/outdoors
Summary
City staff described a proposal from Hub City Brewery to host the city farmers market indoors during cold weather and in part of its parking lot during warmer months; staff suggested starting with twice‑monthly events and working out vendor logistics such as electricity and food service.
City staff told the Hagerstown City Council at its Feb. 4 work session that Hub City Brewery has proposed hosting the municipal farmers market, offering indoor space in cold weather and outdoor parking in warmer months.
Bridal Arasmeade, a city staff member who presented the item, said the brewery approached staff with the idea and that the city market would remain the city’s market; Hub City staff would help with vendor move‑in and on‑site management while the city would continue vendor recruitment and management. “They approached us with the idea of moving the farmer’s market there,” Arasmeade said.
Staff said they would begin by running the market twice a month to build vendor and customer turnout; in prior seasons vendors and attendance suffered when the market ran every Saturday. Vendors would bring their own tables indoors and tents outdoors; staff noted previous challenges for food vendors who need electricity and temperature control. Arasmeade said staff will clarify with the brewery whether outside food vendors would be allowed to serve when the brewery also offers food.
Council members said the arrangement gives flexibility for weather: indoor space avoids melting baked goods and low summer turnout; outdoor parking can allow vendors to unload directly to booths. Staff emphasized the agreement can be revisited if it does not produce expected vendor or visitor traffic.
No formal action was taken; staff presented the concept and will work with Hub City Brewery and vendors on logistics and frequency.
