Watch CBS News

Century-Old FlowerMart Festival Kicks Off In Mount Vernon

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Spring has sprung in Baltimore.

The annual two-day FlowerMart Festival -- which showcases Baltimore's blooms, locally made arts and crafts, live music and so much more -- is kicking off in Mount Vernon today.

Heavy rain Friday morning did not get in the way of the start of the tradition, which dates back to 1911, but has some new, modern twists.

"In Baltimore, if you don't like the weather, stick around for a minute, it will change," says Russ Margo, the vice president of the event.

New to the mart this year, a beer garden and some new food vendors.

"Got some live Maryland soft crabs, just came in, first of the season," says John Ecker, of Conrad's Crabs and Seafood. "Shucked oysters."

"Decided to come down today and try the peppermint sticks," one attendee said. "Seen a lot of people walking around enjoying themselves," said another.

Festival goers can connect with friends and even make new ones.

"Like the original Facebook," Margo says. "Seen people you haven't seen in years come out after winter."

The free festival goes until 9 p.m. tonight, and starts again tomorrow.

For a list of vendors and the full schedule, CLICK HERE.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.