Alton, Mo. – Summer officially began this past week. But that is nothing compared to what local farmer’s markets have been doing. Weeks in advance, booth holders have been setting up, arranging, planting, and creating projects to sell at the markets. Although cool weather did deter many vendors, warm temperatures are bringing shoppers, and buyers together. AltonMO.com visited the Oregon County Farmer’s Market and the Thayer Farmer’s Market. Here are some items they sell.
Oregon County Farmer’s Market
The Oregon County Farmer’s Market meets in Alton at Tucker Creek Park. Each Saturday between 9:00 am and noon, one can see several canopies alongside the walking trail. Vendors sell everything from fresh produce to homemade baskets and aprons, home-baked treats and loaves of bread, and books from a local author. The market is open from now until October, weather permitting.
The park has ample parking in either the first or second parking lots. Additional parking is allowed along the roadside in the grass. Tucker Creek Park is behind the First Baptist Church on Highway 19 South. While the swimming pool and playground are at the top of the hill, the walking trail where the market meets is lower down.
Thayer Farmer’s Market
Thayer has a farmer’s market on Saturdays between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. They meet in the Pizza Inn lot next to DQ. One can see canopies set up with a dozen or more vendors.
Besides fresh produce and home-baked items, they sell fresh eggs, jewelry, and homemade herbal teas. This site has ample parking for all traffic that comes and goes. Friendly faces sell their wares at reasonable prices.
Koshkonong Farmer’s Market
Koshkonong also has a farmer’s market. It meets Thursdays afternoons between 2-6 pm. They meet at the city park near the railroad tracks. Check beforehand because they can cancel when the weather is poor.
Wherever you are, be sure to stop by a local farmer’s market to buy fresh grown and picked produce and support local merchants.
