More vendors added to Jackson, Cape farmers markets

Temperatures are rising in Southeast Missouri, which means it's time for regional farmers markets to gear up for the 2016 season.

Although it's early in the growing season, shoppers still can expect to find some produce in the early weeks, as well as a variety of other wares less affected by the weather and seasons.

Those familiar with the markets can expect many of their favorite vendors to return, but there will be new faces as well.

"We like to keep it fresh," Michelle Chesser, market manager of the Jackson Farmers Market, said.

Chesser expects to have 20 vendors participate in 2016, up about 25 percent from last year. All of last year's vendors are returning, she said, and several more have signed on.

Shoppers in Jackson also will find a larger variety in produce offerings.

"We had a new produce vendor last year," Chesser said. "He saw a need for more spinach, lettuce and carrots that we didn't have in Jackson, so he started growing those just for the Jackson Market. We're thrilled about that."

The Jackson Farmers Market will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. May 3 at the St. Louis Iron Mountain & Southern Railway train station near the intersection of Highway 25 and U.S. 61.

Last year was the market's first time at the station, and Chesser said the move was a great decision.

"We have a lot more people going by the market. We saw so many new faces last year," Chesser said.

The Cape Farmers Market will be at capacity this season.

"We're sold out for the year," market manager Marilyn Peters said.

When the market opens April 21 in the south parking lot of West Park Mall, shoppers will see a full roster of new and returning vendors. Peters said the market will have a new vendor of grass-fed beef and pork, and three new members selling organic produce.

"One of them is actually certified organic," Peters said.

The Cape Farmers Market, which will begin its 31st year, will run from noon to 5 p.m. each Thursday after the season begins.

Businesses at the Cape Riverfront Market on Spanish Street in downtown also will have new wares to offer when their season begins May 7, including Mary Jane's Burgers and Brew, which will be offering "added value products" like spices and sauces, market manager Mark Crowden said, as well as a new craft vendor. He expects 35 vendors to have signed on by the time the season begins.

Though some merchants attend more than one of the area farmers markets, there are distinct differences among them.

"We don't do arts and crafts," Peters said. "We specialize in produce and food made from agricultural products."

Cooking demonstrations and live music are regular occurrence at the Cape Riverfront Market.

Shoppers at the Jackson Market also can take a tour of the train while they're visiting.

Organizers are excited for what the upcoming season will offer.

"It's going to be a good year," Crowden said.

"We hope people will come see us," Chesser said.

bbrown@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

252 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson, MO

3049 William St, Cape Girardeau, MO

35 S Spanish St, Cape Girardeau, MO