Lemon-peppermint sticks, ugly ties, pretty hats, maypole dancing and lots of flowers. It can only mean one thing: Flower Mart 2003.
This year's Flower Mart takes over Mount Vernon Place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and offers its usual array of floral displays, crafts, activities, entertainment and delicacies.
Exotic flowers, bedding plants and plenty more greenery will be on display and for sale. Visitors can check out the specialty garden or watch floral demonstrations.
But who are we kidding? You're coming for the lemon-peppermint sticks, the crab cakes, the pit beef and the raw bar. And to check out the entries in the Ugly Tie, Grand Hat, Fantasy Hair and Hilda Mae Snoops Art contests.
Visitors will also be entertained by the Peabody and Waldorf School Maypole dancers and hear live music from Love Riot and the David Bach Consort.
The acoustic duo Milkshake will keep the kids occupied, as will the Oriole Bird and the Bowie Baysox mascot. The Baltimore Zoo will present a puppet show, and Baltimore City's Mounted Police horses will strut their stuff.
There'll also be an antique car show, arts and crafts, a crewel work demonstration by the Embroiders Guild, information on health issues and more.
The first official U.S. Flower Mart took place in Baltimore in 1911, organized by the Home Garden Committee and the Municipal Art Society. Later marts were sponsored by the Women's Civic League. The event is now organized by Flower Mart at Mount Vernon Ltd.
Visit Flower Mart 2003 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Washington Monument at Mount Vernon Place. Rain date is May 15. Free. Call 410-323-0022.
For more family events, see Page 49.
To learn about more family-friendly events, go to www.SunSpot.net/familyfun
