CAPTION: The sound of a bell rung at 8 a.m. Saturday by Market Master Beth Weidner (second from left) signaled the start of the 2009 Chillicothe Farmers Market season. An anxious crowd was ready to make their purchases of locally grown or made items including rhubarb, radishes, spinach, lettuce, eggs, green onions, sorghum, and baked goods as well as flowers and vegetable plants. Weidner runs her farmers market table with her daughter, Sara, at left. The farmers market continues in the Livingston County Courthouse’s west parking lot each Saturday morning through October.

C-T Photo / Catherine Stortz Ripley

Chillicothe Farmers Market Opens Saturday
Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, C-T

Since the summer of 1986 the Chillicothe Farmers Market has traditionally operated from the first Saturday in May through the last Saturday in October, rain or shine, beginning at 8 a.m.

This year will continue that 23-year tradition with the “ringing of the opening bell” this Saturday, May 2. And, despite the mixed bag of spring weather, Market Master Beth Weidner is expecting a nice selection for shoppers including rhubarb and asparagus, bedding plants, baked goods, jams, jellies, preserves, eggs and craft items on this opening Saturday. The selection of locally-grown produce is expected to expand as the growing season really gets under way. An added attraction this season will be monthly events coordinated with “Main Street Chillicothe” including live music, guided mural tours and outdoor grilling. “The addition of these events will only enhance the very personal and friendly market community,” Weidner said.

The Chillicothe Farmers Market offers many benefits for market shoppers and the Chillicothe area community. The Farmers Market is the perfect choice for health conscious shoppers as the freshness maintained by growing locally ensures the highest levels of available nutrients. Buying local produce also saves the energy needed for shipping. Market farmers and bakers keep up-to-date and informed about health and safety regulations and guidelines, adding another layer of confidence to our shopper's Market purchase. Finally, Farmers Market shoppers and producers build and experience a unique relationship with their food and how and where it is grown or made. These issues are making national news headlines and our local Chillicothe Farmers Market provides excellent choices in these areas for our consumers and community.

The Chillicothe Farmers Market averages 12 producers per Saturday, 25 per season and is the largest in North Central Missouri. Farmers Market is open to bonafide growers and craft persons from Livingston and the surrounding Green Hills counties. Shopper parking is available in the streets all around the square and in the courthouse's second parking lot.

Locally grown or made products offered by various producers at the Chillicothe Farmers Market include all vegetables and fruits in local season, herbs, bedding plants, flowers, eggs, live animals, live fish, honey, syrups, molasses, baked items and preserves as long as the items are high quality, attractive, locally produced and consumer safe.

Shoppers and new producers with questions can contact Market Master Beth Weidner at 660-622-4289 or visit with any producer on Saturdays.