On Wednesday, August 9, 2023, the Excelsior Springs Farmer’s Market, sponsored by the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce, celebrated National Farmer’s Market Week with a bang. The event was filled with activities, fun, and the usual array of vendors that the community has come to love.
National Farmers Market Week, which ran from August 6-12, 2023, marked its 24th year as an annual celebration emphasizing the crucial role farmers markets play in the nation’s food system. The week, filled with events, programs, contests, and activities, aimed to enhance market attendance and visibility. According to the Farmers Market Coalition, “In recent decades, farmers markets have again assumed their historic role as important social and economic institutions in many of our communities. For many, farmers markets offer a glimmer of hope for a sane and healthy future. They are critical in rebuilding local food economies, making farming profitable by providing a cost-effective retail sales opportunity for local food producers.”
The Excelsior Springs celebration was nothing short of spectacular. For the younger attendees, a free bounce house was set up, courtesy of Bubba’s Inflatables. The Yellow Box of Magic was also present, crafting mesmerizing balloon art and leading captivating demonstrations for children. One of the highlights of the day was a grand raffle featuring prizes from a plethora of local businesses, including:
And Hair We Are
L.I.F.T. Women’s Fitness
Style by Ry
Solana on Broadway
Westlake Ace Hardware
Holistic Springs Herb Co.
CEK Insurance – Jay Stoetzer
Sonic
Jeerzeegirl Creations
Community Bank of MO
ES Farmers Market
ES Chamber of Commerce
K-9 Clips
Excel Nutrition
A significant moment during the celebration was when Excelsior Springs Mayor, Mark Spohn, read a proclamation. It highlighted the contributions of Missouri farmers and ranchers, the economic impact of farmers markets on the U.S. economy, and the role of markets in supporting family farms and revitalizing rural communities. The proclamation declared the week of August 6-12, 2023, as Missouri Farmers Market Week, in Excelsior Springs aligning with the observance of National Farmers Market Week.
Farmers Market Director, Tammy Murphy, expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “Seeing all the excited faces anticipating their names being called and not only our local government but state government supporting our little market was so exciting and gratifying.”
The event showcased the importance of farmers markets in the community and the nation at large. With the Excelsior Springs Farmer’s Market taking place every Wednesday from 4-7 pm through October, residents still have numerous opportunities to experience the local produce and products on offer. For the latest updates and information, be sure to check out The Excelsior Springs Farmers market Facebook Page.
If you appreciate the value our local journalism brings to the community, please consider making a recurring contribution to the Excelsior Citizen!
