Farmers market to open in Overland

The market will be open for business from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, May through October.

[Hazel]

I'm so glad and excited that Overland is opening a farmers market. I grew up in overland and see the need for growth and new businesses. I think this could do wonders for our small town in St. Louis.

[Marcia]

I live in Overland and a Farmers Market is a feeble attempt to bring new business....what we need are "full time" businesses and unfortunately, the new businesses or rennovated businesses coming to Overland are not in the downtown area...that is where we need a change....it seems our new Director is more concerned with the "part time" farmers market than actual full time businesses.

[Jim]

Marcia, there are many reasons farmers markets exist, economic development being a popular one.
Nutrition is another strong motivator.
Indeed Overland has immense potential for attracting new, responsible firms, not just on Woodson, but also on Page Avenue and the industrial parks. With 4 seasons, farmers markets exist from May through October. There aren't enough local growers for a proper fulltime farmers market in this area, Marcia.

[Marcia]

Jim wrote:

Marcia, there are many reasons farmers markets exist, economic development being a popular one.
Nutrition is another strong motivator.
Indeed Overland has immense potential for attracting new, responsible firms, not just on Woodson, but also on Page Avenue and the industrial parks. With 4 seasons, farmers markets exist from May through October. There aren't enough local growers for a proper fulltime farmers market in this area, Marcia.

Well Jim......Where do the growers come from that support the FULL time farmers markets in University City and Kirkwood? These two municipalities are in this area! Yes...there are 4 seasons, but there are basically 4 saturdays in one month and with only a few hours each Saturday....that isn't very much exposure....also, what is our new Director doing to KEEP the businesses already in Overland. I understand there are issues with many of the businesses. I think a farmers market is a wonderful idea...I just don't think the limited amount of time it will be open, will not make that much difference. I think all the time, energy and not to mention the money being spent on this project could be well spent elsewhere.

[Marcia]

Well....I was right.....there were only 5 tents ... two were selling hotdogs and drinks like a fair and there was a booth with fruits and one with vegetables.....unless they get on the ball....there won't be anybody there in the next couple of weeks to come......there was nothing offered there which could not have been purchased at Shop N' Save for less and you can get your other shopping done at the same time. What a waste of tax payer money.

[Rob]

The Overland Farmers Market is a great idea. Buying local is good both economically and environmentally. Best of all, it brings the community together. I live in Olivette. It is nice, but at Overland Market on opening day, I saw a lively, friendly community. The season is early, the market is new. What it needs is your support - every Saturday morning.

[vickie]

Well, Marcia the itemS you buy at Shop & Save are not fresh out of the garden. They have been shipped from various places around the country. With a farmers market you are supporting local farmers. Not people from different States and Countrys. Overland Market is new, give it time to grow. Also Marcia not all vegetables & Fruits come in at the same time off the farm. There are different growing times for all fruits & veg's. Yes Shop & Save has it all at the same time, But its not local & it's not FRESH!!!!!!!!!

[Marcia]

I would support an Overland Market if there really was a market....a hotdog stand, drink stand and 1 veg stand with salsa at another with a band to listen to is not a market....opening day at the market was good but there was a spring festival that day with an antique car show and more people were at the antique car show and the races going on than they were buying from the market. We will see how successful the market is...the community is extremely friendly and more elderly than anything. I like fresh fruits and vegetables as well but will not pay more for less. I have been there both weeks now and have seen nothing I care to buy for the price being sold. I saw a lot of people standing around, sitting around but not too many buying.

[Marcia]

Well..unfortunately I was right about this. It has become a circus....and not much else....and how much of the City's money went into and is still going into this mess? Plus, Dr. Lutrell didn't even register the whole process with the State so how much more is it going to cost the City?????

[connie]

forget all these pet projects, start fixing the streets.and send the street cleaner to all the streets,not just to certain streets.actually a few months ago we were told by city hall we didnt have one. funny i saw it a few days later.as far as the farmers market. the rules were so strict who would want to join.

[Marcia]

Well...it has happened....the Doctor has taken the city to a Flea Market ..... which is where we didn't want to go. What an idiot. They need to get rid of him. He is destroying our city.....
he has turned City Hall into a zoo......with him being the head monkey!

[Rob]

I go every week. The fresh vegetables are wonderful. It is catching on.

[Marcia]

connie wrote:

forget all these pet projects, start fixing the streets.and send the street cleaner to all the streets,not just to certain streets.actually a few months ago we were told by city hall we didnt have one. funny i saw it a few days later.as far as the farmers market. the rules were so strict who would want to join.

You are right Connie....get on with the business of Overland and get the streets repaired!

[Reallyreally]

You know what I've lived in Overland since I was born so going on 23 years the market is a failure they were trying to create a Soulard and instead created a flea market. They need to create new business appealing to younger people like myself there is nothing in town for young people to do it is really quiet annoying.

[Marcia]

Reallyreally wrote:

You know what I've lived in Overland since I was born so going on 23 years the market is a failure they were trying to create a Soulard and instead created a flea market. They need to create new business appealing to younger people like myself there is nothing in town for young people to do it is really quiet annoying.

I agree totally. The "Doctor" who started this whole thing is no longer an employee of the City. Seems spending more money on this project than was budgeted...as well as waste in other places.