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Good morning, Westminster.
The 55th Deer Creek Fiddlers' Convention takes place today at the Carroll County Farm Museum (9 am–8 pm, $20–$25 admission), and the Downtown Farmers Market is running as usual at the Conway Parking Lot on Railroad Avenue (8 am–noon). Two very good reasons to get outside.
On the news side, the original Route 140 Sheetz received the green light for EV fast-charging stations, and the proposed cafe at the old Vince’s Seafood location on Main Street hit a snag with the Planning and Zoning Commission over what they felt was too “suburban” a design for the historic district. We humbly posted our own concept for the cafe based on what the commission said they're looking for.
Let's get into all that and more.
🏪 Five new businesses to know about in Westminster
Westminster is having a moment. Husky Hut Coffee Co. is already open at 107 Englar Road, in a converted bus, while their permanent home is being prepared. Savoré, a five-course pop-up dining experience from chef Jeff Keeney, launches Sunday, June 1, at the Westminster Riding Club ($55/person, BYOB). Shop Rebels boutique is coming to 37 E. Main Street in July. The Double Barrel Tasting Room, a 24-tap wine bar, is headed to 73 W. Main Street this fall. And Wingstop — Carroll County's first — is under construction at 140 Village Shopping Center.
Have a new business or know about one coming to Westminster? Send us your news.
🏗️ Proposed cafe at 118 West Main Street sent back for redesign
The building at 118 West Main Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, vacant since Vince's Seafood closed, hit a wall with the Planning and Zoning Commission. Commissioners called the proposed exterior "suburban" and out of character with downtown, and voted to continue the review pending revised elevations. Planning director Mark Depo agreed: "There's a lot lacking in this design." The applicant is willing to revise to meet the historic district's look and could be back before the commission soon.
⚡ Route 140 Sheetz gets green light for EV fast-charging stations
The Sheetz at 1023 Baltimore Boulevard received unanimous approval from the Westminster Board of Zoning Appeals for eight EV fast-charging stations — four going in now, four more planned later. Installed by Francis Energy (the same company behind the new Taneytown Sheetz chargers), the stalls will be located in the rear of the lot and are expected to include DC fast chargers compatible with most non-Tesla EVs. The board noted western Carroll County's shortage of EV charging options and called it a welcome addition. This is the Sheetz as you leave town toward Finksburg, not to be confused with the newer one at Sullivan and Baltimore Boulevard.
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📅 Three upcoming events worth reserving your spot for
A few things on the horizon that require advance registration: NYT bestselling author Adam Gidwitz comes to Westminster High School on June 5 for a free author talk and book signing (register at ccpl.librarymarket.com/event/adam-gidwitz); Sew 'N Sweep's Quilt Retreat Weekend fills Maryland's largest dedicated sewing classroom on June 6–7 for $25 (register at sewnsweep.store); and registration is open for the Westminster Baseball Association's inaugural Wiffle Ball League ahead of its June 29 season start (register at westminsterbaseballassociation.com by June 7).
🏆 Last call: Carroll Biz Challenge applications close May 31
If you have a business idea and you've been sitting on it, now is the time — Carroll Biz Challenge applications close May 31 at 11:59 p.m. The Carroll County Chamber of Commerce's 15th annual competition gives local entrepreneurs a shot at a $10,000 grand prize (plus $4,000+ in additional awards) and a live finale stage at Carroll Arts Center on August 14. The application is free. Five finalists will pitch live; past winners include Main Street’s Run Moore, now a two-time Top Running Store in America.
🎬 Cheap summer movie season is almost here
School's almost out, and Westminster has you covered. Starting June 16, RC Theatres at TownMall brings back its $1 Tuesday and Wednesday morning series (10 am) through August 5 — Smurfs, The Wild Robot, SpongeBob, and more. Starting June 30, the Carroll Arts Center on Main Street runs a free Tuesday night movie series (7 pm) through August 4 — Remember the Titans, Shrek, Space Jam, and Muppet Treasure Island are on the lineup. Both series run through early August.
Until next time, follow Westminster Wire on social media and tell your friends, too! We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok (that account now has 2,267 followers).
Thanks for reading!