Harford County Public Library Foundation hosts the 2nd Annual Taste of Harford: Back for Seconds, a buy local, taste local event that celebrates the diverse flavors and skills of the county’s agricultural and culinary communities.

Funds raised will support HCPL, helping to sustain essential library programs, resources and services that benefit the entire community, according to HCPL.

“Taste of Harford features the best of Harford County. It is such a fun afternoon with delicious food and drink and an amazing farmer’s and artisan’s market,” Mary Hastler, CEO of HCPL, said in a statement. “We are so grateful to those restaurants and businesses that are participating and ‘Back for Seconds,’ and we couldn’t hold this event without our exceptional sponsors and event partners. It will be an afternoon you won’t want to miss.”

Taste of Harford showcases more than 40 food and drink partners, including restaurants, farmers, breweries and wineries. Each will provide guests with a taste of a specialty item and all participants are encouraged to incorporate locally sourced ingredients in their recipes.

Guests can cast votes for their favorite food and non-alcoholic beverages in the “Best Bite of Harford County” competition categories: seafood, meat, vegetarian, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to vote for one of three ice cream flavors made by Broom’s Bloom Dairy to honor the upcoming 80th anniversary of HCPL.

Taste of Harford will also feature a farmer’s market, artisans, author visits, a silent auction, entertainment and more, according to HCPL. Master Chef John Shields, an author, food journalist, television host and “Culinary Ambassador of the Chesapeake Bay” from Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen, will be on site to meet guests and sign his cookbooks.

Tickets to Taste of Harford are $45 per person and are available by visiting hcplmd.org/toh. The event is expected to sell out, so guests are encouraged to buy tickets in advance.

2nd Annual Taste of Harford: Back for Seconds will take place at Vignon Manor Farm at 425 Darlington Road in Havre de Grace, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit hcplonline.org or contact Amber Shrodes at 410-273-5600 x 6513 or at shrodes@hcplonline.org.

Four schools earn 2025 Maryland Green School Awards

Harford County Public Schools is proud to announce that four schools, Magnolia Middle School, Swan Creek School, Havre de Grace Elementary School and Havre de Grace Middle/High School, have earned 2025 Maryland Green School Awards from the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education.

The Maryland Green Schools Program recognizes schools that demonstrate and document a continuous commitment to environmental sustainability, environmental education, professional development and community engagement, according to HCPS. This year’s HCPS honorees join a community of 693 active Maryland Green Schools, representing 39% of all schools in the state. “These schools are helping lead the way toward a stronger, more sustainable future,” Sean Bulson, Superintendent of Harford County Public Schools, said in a release. “Through their learning and actions, students are protecting our planet, not just for themselves, but for generations to come. We are proud to celebrate their leadership and commitment to our community and the world beyond.”

“Green Schools provide engaging and effective instruction by integrating environmental learning across all subjects. The results are powerful — we see students leading composting programs, conserving energy, joining environmental clubs and advocating for what is important to them. These stories give us hope. They remind us that when young people are empowered with knowledge and a connection to the world around them, they become the changemakers we need — not just for the future, but right now,” Laura Johnson Collard, executive director of the Maryland Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education, said in a release.

For more information about the Maryland Green Schools Program, visit maeoe.org.