Olney’s time of the year to shine extra bright is here. With flowering trees, bursts of brilliant azaleas at every turn, and neighbors out on long dog walks and bike
rides, the community comes alive in the spring. One of the most exciting community spring events – and a 30-year-old tradition – is Olney Days, a weekend-long festival held annually at Olney Manor Park – this year on the weekend of May 18. The weekend’s focus is Joe’s Ride and Stride, a bike/walk event to benefit the Joseph Patrick Sanford Foundation. Following a parade, face-painting, fire-engine rides and more, the big event ends with an Olney Big Band concert and a stellar fireworks display.
Although, the weekend before Olney Days is just as festive. The Olney Farmers and Artists Market, which has spent its winter at the Sandy Spring Museum, begins its spring season on Mother’s Day, May 12, and will feature nearly 60 vendors. The market sits on the corner of Prince Phillip Drive and Rt. 108 and will be open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Nov. 3. It’s such a treat to have a farmer’s market so close to the heart of Olney. We love that local Montgomery County chef Frank Linn of Frankly…Pizza! sets up his brick oven at the market (it’s good stuff!), and the local fresh fruits and vegetables can’t be beat. A March Gazette piece mentions a summer pie bake off and a fall chili cook off – so there’s plenty of market action planned! And in the spirit of community giving, Manna Food Center – a local food distribution organization for those in need and an organization close to our heart – is one of the market’s community partners. They receive produce and other food from market farmers, and Manna in turn gives a small contribution to the farmers.
When it comes to year ‘round Olney staples that shine just a little brighter in spring, look no further than Good Earth Garden Market. Just off of Georgia Avenue, after you cross over Rt. 108, you’ll come across a quaint shop that carries a gorgeous variety of plants, gifts, produce and gourmet food. One reason you can’t afford to miss a trip there? They carry Shore Boys soups (you have to ask for them – they keep them in a freezer in the back) – and nothing says warm weather in Maryland like a bowl of lump crab soup. Good Earth is truly a gem in the community. They give back by planting around the area and make Olney a beautiful place to live.
Olney is a great place to live during each of the four seasons – but there sure is something about spring that makes the town come to life! If you’re interested in making the Olney area your home this spring, contact our experienced real estate team. We can’t wait to help you find your dream home!
