The Best Of Missouri Market

BEST OF MISSOURI MARKET 2003
at the Missouri Botanical Garden

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Emily, five-year-old daughter of Chris & Stephanie Ratcliff, decorated her pumpkin in the Kids' Corner at the Best of Missouri Market.

Best of Missouri Market Showcases Harvest of Homemade Goodies
by Betty Magrath
Photos by Bob Moore
© 2003, St. Louis Front Page

S. LOUIS, MO (SLFP.com) October 4, 2003 - It was the best of fall weather with temperatures in the mid seventies, bright blue sky and the aroma of fresh bread. Visitors to the Missouri Botanical Garden's 12th annual "Best of Missouri Market" eargerly sampled homemade breads, sauces, jellies, pies, chocolate, wine and other items on Saturday, Oct 4, under three huge white tents at the northeast corner of the garden.

Vendors engaged delighted onlookers with lively conversation about the origins of recipes and special ingredients. "This is my grandmother's favorite recipe," Steve Picker stated as he handed out samples of Grandma's Cool & Zesty Dressing. In the next booth, the mouthwatering taste of fresh fruit and flaky crust of Lady Bug Pies had several people asking for another sample.

Across the aisle, the Taste The Best of Missouri exhibit featured assorted gift boxes shaped like the State of Missouri. Each box was filled with samples of jellies, spices, sauces, dried soups, bread, candy and other Missouri products. Someone exclaimed "Oh, this aisle is really crowded. They must be tasting wine."

Jennifer Carter smiled as her daughter Casey, age 5, rejected a sample of lo-carb chocolate from Laura Portwood, owner of Bankhead Chocolates. Casey opted for the candy sticks.

The event showcased a delightful collection from over 100 local vendors and exhibitors including: whimsical jewelry made from silver spoons at Silver Wings, colorful handmade stoneware pottery from Kelsey Pottery, comfortable rustic furniture from The Bent Tree, handmade baskets from white oak at Turnback Creek Baskets, and unique garden sculptures by Rakers Copper Crafts.

The Kids' Corner provided a wonderful opportunity for children to touch two squeeling baby pigs, pet one of several sheep, and with a little coaxing even milk the cows.

With parents watching closely, youngsters climbed a deep pile of pumpkins and carefully selected just the right one from the patch. With the help of young volunteers, they decorated their special pumpkin with ribbons, glitter and smiles.

Best of Missouri Market continues through Sunday, October 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for visitors 65 and older, and $2.00 for Garden members. Children 12 and under are free. Prices cover admission to both the Garden and Market.

Members of Raven Moon performed lively bluegrass music for the audience at the outdoor food court that surrounded the fountain outside the Ridgeway Center.

Patty Held-Uthlaut provided Joan Bumb with a sample of Sparkling Raspberry Juice from Stone Hill Winery.

Weavers from Turnback Creek Baskets explained the fine art of using white oak to create their baskets.

An opportunity to sample homemade fruit pies and brownies was hard to pass up at The Lady Bug Pies booth.

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