Flea markets, it seems, spring forth every sunny Saturday morning in Hampstead.
This Saturday, if you're cruising Main Street for good "fleas," you'll want to drop by St. John's United Methodist Church from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking is at the corner of Gill and Main.
The event is a Northeast Social Action Program (NESAP) "fun-raiser" flea market in the church social hall.
While browsing the hundreds of items, stop at the refreshment area for a homemade bite to eat. The fleas and food benefit NESAP programs.
NESAP programs assist those in need, for rent, utilities, food, clothing and more.
Rent and energy assistance, which totaled $6,912.93 this winter, aided between 25 and 30 families during January, February and March.
The NESAP Food Pantry keeps staple items on hand for clients in need. Local 4-H clubs and church organizations help fill the pantry.
NESAP maintains the Community Clothing Store next to the church on Gill Ave. Visit Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to find a full range of spring and summer clothing ready to wear at a very affordable price.
NESAP programs are part of the civic roster at many area churches, organizations and businesses.
Cash donations are accepted through area churches and by mail to NESAP, P.O. Box 831, Hampstead, Md. 21074. Food and clothing may be donated at the Community Clothing store.
Information: 239-6216.
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Carroll County can be exquisite when viewed through a camera lens. From the rugged beauty of weathered wooden barns and the serenity of pastureland and grazing cows to the individuality of its residents, the county is a feast for the photographer's eye.
Local images captured by three photographers will be displayed during "Art of Carroll County Scenes" at the Manchester Town Office during regular office hours Sunday through May 16.
The show opens Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. in conjunction with the monthly open house at the Manchester Historical Center, one floor below the office.
Featured photographers are Phil Grout, Lisa Merkey and Henry Hirsh.
"I knew Phil when I taught school and he did my retirement photos," said Charlotte Collett, who is organizing the show. A solo retrospective show by Mr. Grout is on exhibit at the Carroll County Arts Council Gallery in Westminster.
"Henry is our local photographer with a shop on Main Street. He's just finished our Little League boys," said Mrs. Collett.
Lisa Merkey displayed her photographs of Carroll County and the Southwest last November with Llayne Padget of Manchester at Trinity Church of Christ in Manchester. She is listed in "Who's ++ Who in Photography."
Information: 374-9247.
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For a breath of country air, spend the day at the Country Craft Fair at St. George's Episcopal Church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 13on the church grounds, 2434 Cape Horn Road.
Plan to delight your children with a hay ride -- if you can tear them away from the sloppy joy of the sponge toss or the fashion afforded by face painting.
Shop for Mother's Day among offerings of more than 60 vendors.
If a dinner would suit you for a nice Mother's Day gift, stop to bid at the silent auction. More than 35 items will be included, from gift certificates to merchandise, all donated by local restaurants and merchants. Bids will taken until 2 p.m. The top bidders will be announced at 3 p.m. Any winning bidder not attending will be contacted by telephone.
The Country Craft Fair benefits the preschool and other programs of St. George's church.
A limited number of vendor spaces remain available.
Information: Lynda, 876-2863.
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Anyone who's witnessed the installation of a full-size horse jump on Hanover Pike knows where Charlie Horse, the gift shop and minimall for animal lovers, has come to roost.
This weekend, drop by for those summertime favorites -- snowballs, popcorn, pony rides and such -- when owner Charles Cole holds a public open house at the new site starting at 10 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Information: 374-6302.
