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1. What is the cost to attend special events at Town Hall?

All Town of La Plata events are free.  At some events, there may be items available for purchase such as food.  But there is never a charge to attend and enjoy the activities.

2. May I attend Town of La Plata special events if I am not a La Plata resident?

Yes.  All Town of La Plata events are open to the general public.

3. Where are events held?

Most events take place at Town Hall. See directions. Summer Concerts are held on the west lawn immediately adjacent to the building (pictured). Most other events take place on the east side of the building in the parking lot and grassy area just beyond. A few smaller events like Ice Cream with the Easter Bunny are held inside Town Hall.

4. Are restrooms available?

Yes, restrooms are available on the Town Hall grounds.  The restrooms are located at the rear of the Town Hall building. 

5. Where should I park when attending La Plata events?

Throughout the year there are many events at Town Hall. Guests often ask where the best location is to park.

For small Town events, there is ample street parking in striped spaces down La Grange Avenue and side streets. For those small events, the Town Hall parking lot is also open.

With larger events, the Town Hall lot may be closed for vendors or activities. Please use the parking lot at Sacred Heart Church on St. Mary's Avenue, just a block west of Town Hall. See a map. When parking at Sacred Heart, please be sure to use the back parking lot and park in the yellow-striped spaces and leave the front and side lots available for parishioners attending services and activities at the church. The Town leases this lot from the Church for public parking.

Additional parking may be found along the north end of Maple Avenue along the railroad tracks on the north side of Charles Street. This parking is often used by those attending a show at the Port Tobacco Theater. This is just a few block walk to Town Hall.

There are a number of residences around Town Hall. Please respect the people who live nearby and not park in or block any residential lots or driveways. We ask that you not park in lots adjacent to or used by any open businesses when attending events at Town Hall. The private residences and businesses may tow your vehicle from their lot. Parking on private property is inconsiderate to them, and would not be a pleasant way to end the good time you had at a Town event.

Please do not park along any yellow-painted curb, on grass, or in front of any fire hydrant. Overall, please be respectful of others.

6. Are children allowed at special events?

Yes, indeed - allowed and encouraged! In fact, most of the Town of La Plata special events are created with families in mind. Games and activities for kids are almost always included. We make an effort to provide a range of activities to appeal to youngsters of all ages. And some events are exclusively created for children, such as our Harvest Halloween Party.

Pictured: The Kids' Zone at the Summer Concert Series

7. May I bring my dog or other pet?

We ask that dogs and other pets be kept off of Town Hall grounds during Events.

8. May I bring a cooler to concerts?

Yes, coolers are allowed, but no alcohol, please.

9. Is there food available?

Each event is slightly different, but generally, the answer is yes. Food vendors are usually on-site selling a variety of items for Celebrate La Plata, Summer Concerts, Fall Festival and Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering. We will advertise for each event the food vendors that are attending.

The smaller indoor events, such as Ice Cream with the Easter Bunny usually include free refreshments available to all who attend at no charge. When that is the case, we try to include that information in our advertising.

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1. Where and when is the Farmers Market?

For navigation purposes, use this address:
209 Washington Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646

Under normal circumstances, the La Plata Farmers Market seasons runs from the first Saturday of April through the Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The 2023 Season will run April 1 to November 25. When open, the Market is located behind the Charles County Courthouse in the parking lot on the north side of Talbot Street on Wednesdays and in the parking lot on the south side of Talbot Street on Saturdays. Current operating hours are 9 am to 2 pm on both days, weather permitting; this may change with ongoing conditions.

2. What is sold at the Market?

The Farmers Market vendors sells a wide variety of goods, from fresh fruits, vegetables, and home-baked goods, to jams, jellies, pickled vegetables, local spirits, and home-made crafts and bath and body products. The market also features food trucks with a variety of ready-to-eat food, drinks, and snacks.

3. How can I apply to be a vendor at the Market?

If you are interested in becoming a vendor in the La Plata Farmers Market:

1. Do your homework!
   • Does your product require permits or licensing?
   • Does your process meet Health Department requirements?
   • What kind of packaging and labeling is required?
   • Just because you can make your product in your home kitchen, it doesn't mean you can sell it to the public. If you have any questions, contact the Charles County Department of Health, Environmental Health Services.
2. Read the Market rules thoroughly, especially the parts relevant to your product.
   • Does your product meet our Market's product guidelines?
   • Can you safely store your product under a tent on a parking lot for an extended period?
   • Can you meet the logistical and time commitments?
   • Can you conduct your business in compliance with COVID-19 requirements?
3. Visit the Market and talk with the Market Manager to see if your product meets the Market guidelines, and if there is availability on the date you'd like to come to market.
4. Submit your Vendor Permit application (PDF) at least one week prior to the day you want to attend. You must submit or email it directly to the Market Manager.
5. Your Vendor Permit application must be approved by the Market Committee and the Town of La Plata Planning Department
6. Once approved, you'll get an email notification from Market Manager.
7. Pay fees directly to Market Manager
   • Cash
   • Check or money order made out to "Town of La Plata"

4. Are pets allowed at the Market?

No. In accordance with Chapter 98 of the Code of the Town of La Plata, no live animals or pets are allowed in the Market. Service animals are welcome; however, owners of service animals are liable for damages caused by their service animal. If a service animal poses a hazard to market vendors, their products, or anyone else at the Market, the owner will be asked to remove such animals from the Market.

5. How can I learn more about the Market?

If you're looking for more information about the La Plata Farmers Market, email Kelly Phipps, the Market Manager. You can also visit our Facebook page or our website, or follow us on Instagram.

We look forward to seeing you at the Market!

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1. How do I pay my water bill?

Residents and businesses within the incorporated town limits of La Plata can pay water bills online or in person in Town Hall. Please see the Finance Department page for more information.

2. How do I reserve facilities at Tilghman Lake Park or Wills Memorial Park?

Please see the Parks and Recreation Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) document. Conditions and fees are listed on each facility's respective application:

• Tilghman Lake Park Pavilion Rental (PDF)
• Wills Park Facility Rental Form (PDF)

3. How do I apply for a job with the Town?

Please see the Employee page for information on employment applications and vacancies.

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Call Town Hall at (301) 934- 8421 or send email to Public Works with your street address.

5. How do I get a new trash can?

If your trash or recycling container is missing, broken, or no longer functional, contact Public Works to arrange for a new container to be delivered. A replacement fee may be incurred.

6. How do I get a sign, construction, Use & Occupancy, or other permit?

See the Permit FAQs document (PDF) to figure out your next steps.

7. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming Town Council, Board, or Commission meeting?

Visit the Town's CivicWeb page for meeting agendas, materials, minutes, and recordings.

8. What are Town Hall's operating hours?

Town Hall, located at 305 Queen Anne Street, is open for business from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The main entrance is open for public meetings after business hours.

Town Hall is closed for the following holidays. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be observed.  When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be observed.

• January 1 - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Dr. Martin Luther King, Junior's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - President’s Day             
• Good Friday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• June 19 - Juneteenth National Independence Day ("Juneteenth")
• July 4 - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• November 11 - Veteran's Day
• Fourth Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• December 24 – if it falls on a Monday or Tuesday