Tower Grove Farmer’s Market a Huge Success!
The speeches haven’t even begun opening the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market but if the first few hours are any indication, it will be hugely successful.
Occupying a small paved area west of the Pool Pavilion (which itself is on the West side fo the traffic circle), the market was full and vendors and paying customers.
Organic produce, live plants, eggs and meats. Other local items such as handmade soaps, bread, and pasta rounded out the selection.
The only problem was really a good one, lots of people and bicycles. It was crowded but that added to the feeling of success. Had the same number of people and vendors been spread over a wider area it wouldn’t have been as good.
Bike parking was an issue so some secured their bikes to the fence of the nearby tennis courts or light poles. Hopefully before the end of the market in October some bike racks can get installed nearby. Joining the Friends of Tower Grove Park might help that cause.
I noticed many residents walking to the farmer’s market both from Tower Grove South and Shaw neighborhoods. That is really great as I’d hate to see so many cars in the park that someone starts thinking a parking lot is needed.
Big kudos to all the organizers, sponsors and elected officials (including Ald. Jennifer Florida), for making this happen.
See additional photos on Flickr.
– Steve
Actually there are two large bike racks just a few feet northeast and southeast of the Pool Pavillion. I didn’t see them when I arrived, so like many I was guilty of parking my bike at a light post.
I thought it was definitely a success today, but I hope it will be sustainable given that Soulard is so close and has more selection. In the meantime I will enjoy my bison burgers!
What are the hours of operation?
I was actually disappointed with the amount of vendors and the lack of farm goods. There were more meat and trinket booths than farm goods represented in the booths. The artsy booth (selling posters, cookies, and small loafs of pumpkin bread) charged exorbitant (sp?) prices.
The one redeeming item at the market was the strawberry booth – the strawberries tasted straight out of a garden. 🙂
Yes, I liked the booth with the strawberries the best!