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County launches inaugural agritourism passport to boost farm visits
Summary
The Carroll County Department of Economic Development announced a countywide 'Passport to Summer Fun' on May 29: 21 farms and agribusinesses will participate June–October with stamps, participation prizes and a November grand‑prize drawing to encourage visits to local agricultural venues.
Denise Beaver, director of economic development, and Diana Hare, the county’s agriculture development specialist, presented the inaugural Carroll County Agritourism Passport program to the Board of Commissioners on May 29.
The passport invites residents and visitors to visit participating farms, agribusinesses and agricultural events across the county from June through October. “We have 21 participating sites throughout the county,” Beaver said. Participants collect stamps at venues and may submit passports to any Carroll County Public Library branch or the Visitor Center for participation prizes and entry into a November grand‑prize drawing.
Hare explained program rules: “We just ask that you limit it to one passport per group, family or individual. If you visit up to 10 or you can visit all of them, different locations and get a stamp, you can then turn in that completed passport to either the library, any Carroll County Public Library branch, or the Visitor Center.” The passport notes hours and reservation requirements for venues that need them.
Beaver said the county will track participating sites’ feedback and visitation changes to determine whether the program grows in future years. The county provided printed passports and promotional posters for program sites and plans to deliver materials to the 21 locations over the following two days.
Commissioners thanked staff and encouraged residents to take photographs at sites and share them with the county to help promote agritourism. Staff invited prospective venues to contact Diana Hare to join the program next year.
