SAUCE MAGAZINE
The Scoop: Farmers’ Market Coming to Webster Groves
You can add one more neighborhood to the growing list of local communities hosting farmers’ markets now that the City of Webster Groves has approved a farmers’ market. According to Charlie Downs, president of the New Business Development Commission for Webster Groves and co-owner of Cyrano’s Café and Wine Bar, the Webster Groves Farmers’ Market will operate Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Old Orchard Shopping Center off Big Bend Boulevard near Lockwood Avenue. The venue is slated to open June 3 and will run for 20 weeks.
Downs stated that organizers expect the market to feature approximately 20 farmers, as well as a few kid-friendly tents and entertainment. In addition, he noted that the vendor contract would be different than a typical agreement for a farmers’ market, with a rental rate significantly lower than average, although a zero-fee agreement is also a possibility.
Thus far, nearly 10 farmers and food purveyors have expressed an interest. “We have a lot more to contact,” added Downs. Among those who have given verbal commitment is forager and part-time kitchen employee at Monarch, Ryan Maher. Maher recently formed his own company, Missouri Wild Edibles, which focuses primarily on wild mushrooms. He will also offer prepared products such as chanterelle butter, nettle pistou and other seasonal gourmet items made from wild edibles.
A market master has yet to be named, but Downs mentioned that Gretchen Morfogen, who has been working to get the Old Orchard Food Co-op up and running, has applied for the position and appears to be a leading candidate to oversee market operations.
Details about the Webster Groves Farmers’ Market will soon be available on the City of Webster Groves’ Web site.
– Ligaya Figueras
Tags: Charlie Downs, Gretchen Morfogen, Missouri Wild Edibles, Old Orchard Food Co-op, Ryan Maher, Webster Groves Farmers' Market
