Scenes from a Farmers' Market

It's springtime in St. Louis, which means that farmers' markets across the metro are open for business.  Of course, the Soulard Farmers' Market is the oldest and best-known market in town, and is where all of the following photos were taken.

There are plenty of other markets worth checking out, though, giving St. Louisans an opportunity to explore neighborhoods all over the region.  Be sure to check out the North City Farmers' Market (in Old North), the Tower Grove Farmers' Market, The Market in the Loop, and the Clayton Farmers' Market.  Of course, that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Here was the scene at yesterday's market in Soulard. Of course, the star of the show is the huge selection of fruits, vegetables, and other wares:

Musicians are a common staple of the farmers' market scene . . .

 And, of course, the diverse crowds at farmers' markets offer great "people watching" opportunities.

Some architectural shots from around the Soulard Farmers' Market:

What's your favorite farmers' market in St. Louis? Tweet

Mannequins on the Loop

Through June 9th, head down to the Delmar Loop to see the decorated mannequins lining the street for the 4th Annual "Mannequins on the Loop" project.  Each mannequin represents a different establishment on the Loop.   

There is a surprising shortage of information online about this project, though I did find a Youtube video from the second annual event and some other photographs of the mannequins on the Loop's Facebook page.  The intent appears to be to promote principles of sustainability through the use of recyclable materials in decorating the mannequins.  

I'd like to see the event marketed a bit more, with even higher participation, and more mannequins on the east end of the Loop to draw visitors eastward.  In all, though, this is a fun and interesting public art project and yet another reason to visit one of the 10 Great Streets in America!

"AhNiYvWiYa Spirit--Spirit of the First People"
by Mark Swain, representing Plowsharing Crafts.

"Fox and Gypsy" by Emily Iovaldi, representing Devil City
clothing store. The streaks in the background are from

a passing St. Louis MetroBus.

"Tandermonium" by Amanda Schmidt,
representing Big Shark Bicycle Company.

"Ms LeiCi Bag" by Cierra Evans,
representing Pizazz Furniture.

"Groovy" by Jeff Briggs,
representing Blueberry Hill.

Another view of "Tandermonium."

"King James" by Valli McElroy,
representing Three Kings Public House.

"Sweet Treats" by Tracey Johnson,
representing Miss M's Candy Boutique.

(Apologies to a few of the artists, as I didn't get the names of all of the mannequins and their creators.) Tweet