The Ferguson Farmers Market opens May 1

Shannon Howard | Apr 27, 2010 | Comments 7

The award-winning and always fun Ferguson Farmers Market opens for its eighth delicious season on Saturday, May 1, 8am to noon.

I’ll just come right out and say it: If you live in North County and you haven’t been to the Ferguson Farmers Market, you are NUTS! Since the market first opened with a handful of booths in 2003, it has grown and improved every single year – to the point that now 40 vendors and a truly fun, festive atmosphere will welcome you on opening day!

In 2005 & 06, Agri-Missouri named the Ferguson Farmers Market the best in the state. And in 2007, the market also won a “Best of St. Louis” award in the Riverfront Times. Of course I am completely biased, having worked for the market during those years, but I have visited every farmers market in the St. Louis area and I can truly say that ours is exceptional.

For one, Ferguson is a “growers-only” market (unlike Soulard), meaning that you are buying directly from the person who grew the food or made the product. Nearly all of the fresh produce was picked just hours before, within 100 miles or less, so you are guaranteed to get optimal nutrition and flavor.

Secondly, compared to other local markets, Ferguson is cheap! Yes, you can probably find a bland head of iceberg for pennies at Aldi, but if you’re shopping for produce that’s quality and local, the prices at Ferguson really can’t be beat. I’ve seen some of the same items at, say, Maplewood or Tower Grove (both of which are great markets otherwise) for significantly more!

They might have Schlafly beer and yoga across town, but we have more vendors (and Hill’s beer!) and just as many excellent products to choose from. In addition to produce (including organic), Ferguson offers fresh local eggs, meat, honey, baked goods, jelly, herbs, plants, flowers and a wide array of artisan crafts, including handmade soap and botanical beauty products.

Every week the market also features live music and prepared foods, and throughout the season, shoppers can enjoy local chef demos, cooking contests, kids art activities and fresh produce samples. Parking is abundant and nearby. The Ted Jones Bike Trail is just up the road. The farmers are very friendly! So what’s your excuse for not visiting the Ferguson Farmers Market?!

I’ve actually heard folks from Florissant put down the market because they’d prefer to have their own. Come on, people! That’s just silly! The Ferguson Farmers Market is an incredible asset for all of North County, bringing in visitors from throughout St. Louis and giving them a wonderful introduction to our fine community. It’s good for Ferguson, Florissant and every city in NoCo! So come on down and “get fresh” with your neighbors!

Available this week: asparagus, lettuce, spinach, radishes, green onions, herbs, bedding plants, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, free-range chickens and eggs, grass-fed beef, goat meat, honey, butter, baked goods and more! And you can check NOCO every week for a listing of what’s in season. It’ll be right on the front page.

The Ferguson Farmers Market is located at 20 S. Florissant Road in the heart of downtown Ferguson. It’s open Saturdays from May through October, 8am to noon.