First Lady Katie O'Malley Helps to Kick Off 91st Annual Flowermart

BALTIMORE, MD (May 2, 2008) – First Lady Katie O’Malley today attended the 91st annual Flowermart in Baltimore City and joined Baltimore City Mayor Sheila Dixon, Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Baltimore City Councilwomen Rochelle Spector, Sharon Green Middleton, Helen Holton, Agnes Welch and Flowermart officials to kick off this year’s event.  At the opening ceremony, First Lady Katie O’Malley, on behalf of Governor O’Malley, presented the representatives of Flowermart with a Governor’s Proclamation during the opening ceremonies. 

“Flowermart has a long history and is one of Baltimore’s most festive events,” said Judge O’Malley. “For most of us, it means the coming of spring and the beginning of the season of great outdoor events and international festivals. I am honored to be a part of the ceremonies this year, and am honored to join the many citizens of Baltimore who are enjoying the Flowermart festivities.” 

After the Opening Ceremony, the First Lady visited the “Beehive Children’s Area” and read to approximately 20 children from Grace and St. Peter’s School in Mount Vernon.  The Beehive Area offers a variety of family-friendly arts, crafts and educational activities, as well as performances, presented by a number of local cultural organizations such at the Enoch Pratt Library, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, B & O Railroad Museum, National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center.

Judge O’Malley also toured the Parks and People Foundation’s “Baltimore’s Gardens” exhibit—a participatory walk-through demonstration showcasing examples of the many ways that Baltimore’s residents can bring beautiful gardens into their communities. The display includes a peace garden, urban farm, greenhouse, flower garden, container gardening, and sales of plants and trees.