Changes Afoot at St. Louis Farmers Market

By William Meiners
Herald Staff Writer
It’s not so cold in a lingering Michigan “winter” that you cannot dream about summer days, or the fresh produce that accompany the opening of the county’s farmers markets in the latter days of spring. For the St. Louis Farmers Market, a few changes, including a new market manager, are underway.
Linda Bader, the market founder and manager, stepped down after the 2022 season, marking the end of a seven-year run as the volunteer in charge. Though Phil Hansen, director of downtown development, said she has been “gracious enough to remain on the advisory committee for the market and is also working with Sara Piaskowski, the new market manager, to ensure a smooth transition.”
Hired a few months ago, Piaskowski has been diligently working to make the market ready for business on its first of June opening. Per usual, the St. Louis market will be open on Thursdays, from 2 to 6 p.m., from June 1 to October 26. Fresh food consumers will find those goods in the City Hall’s south parking lot at 300 North Mill Street.
Hansen, for one, is excited about what Piaskowski will bring to the market, which includes a background in agriculture. “Sara resides just north of St. Louis on 20 acres with her husband Ryan and 8-year-old daughter,” he said. “Ryan’s family also owns a farm in St. Johns, so they are well connected with the farming community. Sara was hired for her work ethic, organizational skills, and passion for this topic.”
To that end, Piaskowski has been working on getting vendors and sponsors since the beginning of March — when it really seemed like winter. In addition to other annual sponsors, Commercial Bank and the City of St. Louis DDA each contributed $5,000 this year to support market operations.
Hansen knows that a robust farmers market is good for local businesses, as well. “Having the market downtown certainly brings more people to the area each week during the season,” he said. “While visiting the market, hopefully people will stop at other downtown businesses during their trip.”
To keep an eye out for the upcoming market seasons, which include those in Alma and Ithaca, check out the webpage at gratiotfarmersmarkets.com
Find specific news about the St. Louis market on Facebook: www.facebook.com/stlouisfm. Anyone interested in becoming a sponsor or a vendor can contact Piaskowski directly by email, stlouisfarmersmarket@gmail.com, or phone, 734-249-3961.