The Eldon Farmers Market has seen a variety of new visitors this year, and part of that growth comes from activities held in conjunction with the weekly, seasonal event.
On Friday evening, families were able to find out more about healthy foods and sustainable gardening from a variety of vendors at the market while attending the free second annual Reading in the Park at Rock Island Park.
Presented by PAVE AmeriCorps, guests were able to hear a slew of stories from volunteers dressed as storybook characters and select free books, courtesy of Scholastic and Eldon R-1 School District. Families also delved into craft projects, played with bubbles, received goodie bags, made paper pirate's hats, had their faces painted and were awarded door prizes.
According to Sasha Seaten, PAVE AmeriCorps president of community engagement and Reading in the Park committee chair, they were excited to bring the event back this year and offer more activities. She said Eldon Learning Enrichment Afterschool Program (LEAP) donated a variety of household and hygiene products for families in need, and the Eldon Lions Club served snow cones and other treats at the event, all for free.
With Seaten's position with community engagement, she said the event allows families to select a door prize that encourages children to play outdoors and interact as a family unit. Plus, the interactive reading activities and availability of books to take home helps keep their reading skills active during the summer.
"This event encourages children to read during the summer. So many kids who stop reading in between school years suffer; this is a fun way for them to pick out books they like and keep them reading," Seaten said.
Organizers of the Eldon Farmers Market, which opened May 6, are focused on engaging the community and visitors with healthy choices and fun family activities, like Reading in the Park. For the May 6 kickoff, a free Youth Photo Voice Reception was held. Hosted as part of the Missouri Foundation for Health's Healthy Schools Healthy Communities initiative - in partnership with LEAP, Capital Regional Healthy Communities-Eldon and the University of Missouri - the event allowed students to exhibit their photos of healthy foods and how they access food in the community.
"We are working with our schools, community organizations, businesses and residents to find ways to create healthier options for Eldon children and families," Michele Griswold, of Capital Regional Medical Center and the Healthy Schools Healthy Communities initiative in Eldon, said prior to that event. "By engaging students in our efforts we help to ensure their voices are heard and generate excitement among our youngest residents."
The Eldon Farmers Market is held from 4-7 p.m. every Friday through September at Rock Island Park, which is located on Missouri 52 in downtown Eldon. For more information about the Eldon Farmers Market, visit its Facebook page.