2/12/10- Parking Update Westminster, MD

The biggest challenge we are facing this year due to the weather is on site parking. As a result the decision has been made to limit on site parking to vendors, event staff and handicapped parking only. All other consumer attendees will be directed to our off site parking area located approximately 3 minutes from the event venue at Carroll Community College (1601 Washington Rd, Westminster, MD 21157) where they will be able to take advantage of free shuttle service to and from the event venue. Our consumer shuttle will run between the off site parking area and the event venue every 15–20 minutes from approximately 7:00 am until 3:00 pm. We are excited to provide this alternative and feel that it is the most effective scenario for allowing everyone adequate access to the event while ensuring safety and convenience. Please note that parking along the Ag Center access road, Smith Avenue and any of the surrounding residential streets will not be allowed under any circumstances and towing will be strictly enforced. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this year's parking policy.

Click below for directions to off site parking:

 

2/11/10- Weather Update Westminster, MD

First and foremost, thanks to all of our vendors and consumers for your continued support of our events. It is truly through your support and encouragement that our events have grown and prospered. We are happy to report that despite the severe weather that has affected our area over the past 10 days we continue to receive daily e-mails from vendors and consumers alike who are excited to attend this year’s event and get out to cure their “cabin fever.” From every indication the 2010 Westminster, MD SWAP is truly shaping up to be our biggest ever. We look forward to having everyone attend and are taking extraordinary steps to ensure that this year’s SWAP is a success for everyone involved.

One of the biggest challenges we are facing this year due to the weather is on site parking. Despite our best efforts as well as those of the venue it is probable that due to the volume of snowfall we will not have adequate parking available on site on the day of the event. At this point we are planning to address that challenge in several ways. Although the venue is contractually obligated to provide snow removal prior to the event (and are doing a great job!) we have hired at our own expense a third party company to assist in clearing the venue. Unfortunately, due to the high demand for their services they have not been able to confirm a start time for the snow removal. However, every indication is that they will be working sometime early on the morning of the event between midnight and 4:00 am. In addition, we are currently attempting to arrange off-site parking along with a shuttle service for consumers. Details will be forthcoming as the arrangements are finalized. To further maximize the available on site parking, it will be offered on a first come first served basis to those that carpool to the event. Single passenger vehicles will be directed to off site parking. We sincerely hope that all consumers will make every effort to carpool to this year's event. We are confident that the combination of all these efforts will help to maximize what parking is available and allow everyone adequate access to the event.

Thanks again for your support and see you at the SWAP!