Webb City Sentinel market column - Wednesday, November 4, 2020

Halloween at the Market was a big hit. We were full of small superheroes, mice (as in Mickey and
Minnie), princesses, dragons, even Baby Yoda, and many other fun characters. The kids searched the market hunting for fall produce, for the market scarecrows, and especially for the last item on the scavenger hunt list – a free bag of festive kettle corn from Kings Kettle Corn. They enjoyed free breakfast and lunch and posed with the market scarecrows for a Halloween photo. What was forecast to be a cold windy morning turned out to be bright and sunny, making me a little over warm in my three layers of clothes but perfect for the kids in costume.

The market ended with a surprise for me. I had finished my kids meal responsibilities and was walking through the market with my husband when a small crowd began to gather in the center of the pavilion. Alan Hughes, my neighbor and a market board member, used a bull horn to

gather people in and Erin Turner with the city’s Office of Economic & Community Development gave a thoughtful speech about the market and its value to the city. Then Mayor Ragsdale took over and I soon guessed what was up. This was my grand send off. Many nice things were said and a very large sign with my name on it was shown. Lynn was right on target in one of his comments. He spoke about various kinds of leaders, including one kind who has avision which they nurture but hold close so when the visionary dies so does the vision and another kind of leader who has a vision but enlists others to ensure the vision continues beyond the originator. And I am so glad that I have been privileged to be the latter. (I was also very glad that I came to the market dressed as Rosie the Riveter and not the mime I had considered. Pictures in a mask are bad enough. A mime in a mask would be beyond bad.)

As the market has grown over the last 20 years I became aware that its future could not and should not depend on me. After all none of us lives forever. But it was when my father died unexpectedly five years ago that it hit home. He had been an essential part of several organizations. Those that did not depend entirely on him, primarily the ones with paid staff, continued, those without staff suffered. And that, as well as my dear mother’s descent into dementia, began my search to find funding for a paid manager. Thanks first to a grant, and now to support from the city, we have that manager.

While I’m still involved in some aspects of the market, writing this column for example, most of the market management has been increasingly transferred to others over the last year. I still handle the grant work and for the last month I’ve ramrodded the free kids meal, but my work with the meals will soon end. I have a new granddaughter due in Colorado this month and will be there doing night duty. Luckily the market has hired a new kids meal cook and I leave that project in his and the manager Rachael Lynch’s capable hands.   The market has a strong board, an excellent manager, strong relationships with the city and its departments, with University of Missouri Extension and Lincoln University Extension, and many other organizations. It has a wonderful base of customers and trained, talented, and committed vendors. And though this particular volunteer will be shifting to lullabies and diapers, many other volunteers help keep the market at its best – and we are always looking for more. 

Two of my favorites are Ann Foos and Vicki Groff who have faithfully dished up and handed out hundreds of meals to children. This Saturday they will serve hot apple* cinnamon oatmeal with white milk for breakfast and ham and cheese rollups with bell peppers* and lettuce*, carrot*/raisin salad, and chocolate milk for lunch. The meals are served from 9 to 11 and are free to anyone aged 1 through 18. Kids don’t have to be present – just show Ann a photo of yourself with the kids – or grandkids.  *locally grown!

The adult meal is biscuits and sausage gravy, cheesy scrambled eggs or loaded (with market veggies) cheesy scrambled eggs, and juice or coffee for $5. Profits from the adult breakfast benefit the market.

Drew Pommert will be on the market stage.

Several seasonal fundraisers begin this Saturday.

The market is selling gently used and new cookbooks (the photo  shows just a small fraction of the books) and handmade pottery bowls. 

All proceeds will go to the market’s privately funded program which provides two $5 coupons good for produce, meat, or eggs to families receiving WIC. You can also make a donation to the program in someone’s honor and receive a very pretty acknowledgement designed and printed by Cardinal Scale for the market. It is just right to slip into a Christmas card or a stocking. WIC, Women Infants and Children, is for very low income young families to ensure little growing bodies receive the nutrition they need to grow into strong healthy adults.

We’ve had a run on our shopping bags lately which folks are using as Christmas bags. Don’t worry, we have plenty more in navy or lime. Our soft caps with the embroidered market logo are back in stock too thanks to the Dug Out.

Central United Methodist Church will sell chili and fudge to benefit the community Christmas basket program. One pint of chili with beans is $5.50. Two pints is $10. Chili without beans is $7 for one pint and $13 for two pints.

Both the WIC and the Christmas basket fundraisers will continue through the month although for some Saturdays the menu will change to ham and beans. I’ll keep you posted on that.

And now for the real reason you come to the market – our vendors. Farmers expected include Brakers, Lees, Misty Morning, OakWoods, and the Yangs. Both mushroom growers will be at the market. We’ll have honey, baked goods from Redings Mill and Sunflower Bakery, and meats from Garrett’s and Sunny Lane. There will be freshly roasted coffee beans and coffee drinks, frozen tamales, smoked spices, salts, and mixes, local shrimp, and handcrafted soaps. The forecast is warm and breezy. It will be another beautiful morning at the market. See you there!