New farmer’s market draws large crowd
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EAST ALTON – On Tuesday, a new farmers market debuted in East Alton.
In March Woody Peterson, owner of Peterson’s Family Farms in East Alton, announced plans to coordinate the East Alton Farmer’s Market 3-7 p.m. every Tuesday from April 19 through Oct. 25 in the parking lot of Eastgate Plaza, 625 Eastgate Shopping Center (near the AMC Classic Eastgate 6).
“I talked to Todd Kennedy (of Eastgate Plaza) and asked if I could set a market up,” Peterson said in March. “And he was all for it.”
Within the first half hour, the market was filled with eager people to explore the various offerings. The market housed more than 20 tables selling various items including plants, kettle corn, baked goods, meats, jewelry, honey and barbecue sauce.
One vendor, Sharayah Barnes, sells mainly hand-raised plants and artwork made by her through her business The Remnant Company. Her plants include cacti, aloe vera and snake plants. All of these plants are relatively low maintenance and can go long periods of time without water.
“You could put snake plant in a closet and it would survive without water for God knows how long,” Barnes said.
Kathleen McKeever, owner of Frost Bakery, is no stranger to farmer’s markets. She has called the Alton Main Street Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market home since 2013. Even then, she was surprised by the turn out.
“I didn’t know what to expect,” McKeever said. “It’s very exciting.”
Her stand carries home-baked goods, such as gooey butter cakes, focaccia, oatmeal pies and breakfast cookies. McKeever said that she will be back at Alton Main Street Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market, too.
The 30th year of the Alton Main Street Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market is scheduled to start Saturday, May 7, in the lot at Henry Street and Landmarks Boulevard near the Mississippi River. The market will be open 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. For more details, visit Facebook.com/AltonFarmersMarket.
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