Today was the last “First Sunday Festival” of 2010 for Upper West Street in Annapolis. Despite the threatening rain clouds, folks were out in full force enjoying the autumn weather, the variety of craft displays, and outside dining options as they listened to the sounds of flamenco guitar and watched Spanish dancers performing on a makeshift stage set up in the parking lot adjacent to Stan and Joes. Mid September to mid- October is National Hispanic Heritage Month and the music and cuisine being served today definitely kept with the theme.
The monthly festivals take place on the first Sunday, May through October. Local businesses and community organizers have made this event a successful one that brings a mix of clientele to the Upper West Street business district. Andrea Locket has been setting up a booth selling her potted plants and garden accessories at First Sunday for two years. The proprietor of the Landscape Design Center in Edgewater says, “I get to meet a lot of people– both local folks and tourists. It’s just a nice blend of people, vendors, and music.” She was running her booth with the assistance of her daughter Isis, and I indulged myself in the purchase of a pot of assorted herbs with the hope that I can keep using fresh herbs in my cooking as the weather gets cold.
Although this was the last festival of the year, vendors were in a good mood; perhaps looking forward to a bit of a break as the chore of hauling their wares around to various venues winds down. There will be a break also for the Annapolis Farmers Market held Sunday mornings in the Fawcett Parking Lot near City Dock as due to the Boat Shows, they will temporarily not be held October 10 and October 17. I bid a sad farewell to the farmers selling produce who will not return until next Spring. “We really won’t have much to sell in a few more weeks,” they explained. Meat, dairy, and baked goods will continue to be available when the market reopens on October 24th. The Farmers’ Market at that particular location will keep going through November 2lst.
Nadja Maril, Writer & Author 