Area growers are welcomed to attend a workshop for those interested in selling at the new Crystal City Farmer’s Market will be Monday evening, April 5th, at 6:30 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, 105 Bailey Road in Crystal City. . .

The fourth session in a series of workshops for those interested in marketing products at farmer’s markets will be held on Tuesday, March 2nd at 6:30 pm at St. Andrews Church, 1004 Rock Rd. in De Soto. The workshop, entitled “Soil Testing and Resources from MU Extension to ID Weeds and Plant Diseases”, will be presented by Dean Wilson, MU Agriculture Specialist. Bring your soil samples. . .

Elking It for Independence Day

The smell of burnt fuses. The atmosphere of danger. Explosives and our celebration of Independence. The personification of rebellion and success. To some, even excess. This year I’m holding my wallet a little closer. My apologies to all of the fireworks vendors and suppliers. I just can’t see $5 bills going bang in my yard this year or watching as $15 and $20 mortar rounds explode a hundred feet above my home. 

Walking into Kimmswick from the parking area just outside of the business district, the first booth to greet visitors was a petting zoo, complete with a camel.  There were barbeque stands, drink vendors, and a vast spread of tented arts and craft vendors.  Thunder rolled and no one seemed to notice.  In spite of the on-and-off rain on Sunday, the festival retained a large attendance.