We at the North City Farmers' Market want to thank everyone who made it out to the market last Saturday for Vegetapalooza, 2012. There was a fantastic crowd, friendly faces, and lots of fun was had. In fact, we were so busy on Saturday that our selection of photos is pretty limited from the day. Let me know if you captured any beauties and would like to share them with the market!
Congratulations to the winners of the "Strange-Vegetable Contest": The Burning Kumquat! The Burning Kumquat, Washington University's Student-run Farm won for their super freaky Armenian Cucumber (see below).
Congratulations and thanks are also in order for the salsa-making competition. We had four great entries from local resident Byron (Chipotle Salsa), Homegrown (fresh tomato salsa), Freddie Lee's Ghetto Sauce (oh yeah, baby, there was ghetto sauce in it!), and The Burning Kumquat (fresh garden salsa). It was a close call; each contestant's salsa was delicious and well appreciated. In the end, we had a tie. Byron with his smoky Chipotle Salsa and Jody from Homegrown with her fresh tomato salsa took home the prizes (pies) for their delicious salsas!
It is also important that we acknowledge all those who made Vegetapalooza possible. From our fantastic vendors who offer a great deal of variety and good cheereach week, to our volunteers who help with all aspects of market operations.
We must also thank contributing organizations, such as
Magic House St. Louis and
Gateway Greening for attending the market. Magic House staff delighted families with the opportunity to decorate silly hats and fun glasses. Gateway Greening provided demos and starts for children to plant their own ornamental flowers. Thanks to both organizations for your time and support of the North City Farmers' Market!
Thanks to
The Ragged Blade Band for another great performance! This group really stays strong through the heat of St. Louis summers. It is always a fun and memorable experience to see them live, so follow them on Facebook and check out the reverbnation link above.
Finally, thanks to all who participated in and donated pies, tarts, or cakes to the pie walk. I have to say, I was overwhelmed by the generosity of Old North neighbors and business-owners, North City Farmers' Market vendors, and NCFM volunteers. The pie walk was a great success. Many people went home smiling with their pie(s) and we were able to raise some money for the market, as well. Thank you from the bottom of my heart (and from that of the North City Farmers' Market)!
See some more photos of the day below and PLEASE, send us any you took at this year's Vegetapalooza!