The Brightside: Local market plants seeds of knowledge into the community
MARDELA SPRINGS, Md. – If you frequently travel down Route 50 in Mardela Springs, you’ve come to know a familiar figure.
Zorro the bull is the face of Wright’s Market
Charles Wright, owner of Wright’s Market said, “He’s probably the most photographed bovine east of the Mississippi!”
Zorro’s home, Wright’s Market, has been in operation for about 20 years.
Charles Wright said, “My dad always wanted a market on this corner.”
Charles Wright comes from a long line of farmers.
“My grandfather had the farm and I started helping him when I was a little boy,” he said.
Charles’ grandparents started selling produce on a wagon. In the early 2000’s, Charles and his dad got an idea. Why not open up a market and make it a family operation?
“Whether its a good year or bad year, your family is always together,” he explained.
Nowadays, Wright’s Market has something for everyone… whether it’s friendly animals to greet, fresh produce, or even just good customer service.
Michelle Wright said, “For us its just being nice and friendly. It’s just a nice smile, welcome here, you don’t feel like you’re in a grocery store.”
Beyond good service though, at Wright’s Market they’re giving customers something extra: an education about agriculture.
Charles Wright said, “Knowing where your food comes from and how its really grown I mean, that’s science, chemistry, and history. It’s all wrapped into one, agriculture.”
In the past, the owners of Wright’s Market have taught kids with activities like hay rides and corn mazes. Now, they have plans to educate in a different way amid the pandemic. You’ll be able to walk through a corn maze or a pumpkin patch on your own and there will be large signs with QR codes on them where you can access lessons.
Michelle Wright said, “The QR code, you can scan with your phone or iPad, and a video will come up and you can watch that and it will explain to you about the pumpkin and how it grows.”
After all, teaching the next generation about what it takes to be a farmer is what Charles Wright and his wife Michelle are all about.
Michelle Wright said, “Farmers to me are probably one of the least respected professions, so I think for us we want people to be able to appreciate the farmers and what they do.”
So whether you’re visiting Wright’s Market to pick up some fresh produce, learn something about farming, or simply spend time with Zorro and his goat friends, you’re sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for agriculture as well as a smile.
The Wright family also works with the Maryland Food Bank. They give any of their extra produce to the food bank to ensure no one goes hungry and no food goes to waste. If you would like to learn more about Wright’s Market, you can click here.
