First farmers market of the season is successful

Rachel Irey, right, introduces Jade Perez, left, to a floral selection of succulents and other plants Irey sold at the June 1, 2019, Oak Street Farmer's Market.
Rachel Irey, right, introduces Jade Perez, left, to a floral selection of succulents and other plants Irey sold at the June 1, 2019, Oak Street Farmer's Market.

Flowers, cakes, vegetables and even succulents filled just about 10 booths at the Oak Street Farmers market June 1 right next to Grind.

The event, which has not passed through town for a number of years, was revived by three Moniteau County women who worked together to bring the gathering back to California.

The morning shopping experience led to at least two vendors who had sold their entire inventory just two hours after the official start of the market, according to Holly Bieri.

"The crowd has been pretty steady," Bieri said. "We have such an amazing community, and this all came together so nicely."

Bieri has worked with Grind owner Chelsea McGill and Laura Distler to organize the summer market, ,which will run every other Saturday until October. The plan is to invite as many local farmers and craftsmen as possible to sell their wares at each market.

One booth, which showcased a strawberry pound cake and cake pops, was the creation of Matt McDannold and Kristy Simmons of Prairie Home.

"It's been a nice morning so far," McDannold said. "We're just feeling it out right now, but it's been really receptive."

Another seller, Rachel Irey of Busy Bee's Potting Shed shared her selection of succulents and other plants.

"This has been such a great experience so far," Irey said. "I normally do shows in Jefferson City, but this farmers market already has more traffic than any other I've done."

Irey's love of horticulture started with her mother and father sharing their love of beautiful plants with her.

Another feature for the market is a kids' corner. Each week, a booth will be available for children to learn a little more about plants and other food-related items. This time, it was seeds.

Brielle Wright moved from a plate of peaches, melons and other seedy foods and took careful note of the textures, durability and even potential for taste for these seeds.

"I think I could eat a melon seed," Wright said. "But not a peach seed."

From here on out, each farmers market will hold a giveaway for customers to partake in as well as a reusable shopping bag with the market's logo printed on the side.

Fortunately for shoppers who were not able to make the Saturday market, another opportunity to investigate will be held from 5-7:30 p.m. June 6 at the Evening Out on Oak Street.