I would like to take a moment to take my hat off to Eileen Nichols, the founder of this farmers market. It was truly an incredible production, the founding of Webb City Farmers Market. This lady did so much paperwork, cleaning, training, and directing. The Market has such a good future ahead of us, and it is due to the hard work of Eileen and her ground crew of volunteers, including her husband, Phil Richardson, and a drove of other beautiful souls.

I mean, I open up the barn first thing before each market, walk in, and there all around me are things that Eileen has gathered for us. Fans, chairs, tables, signs. All of them are here because of her thoughtfulness. We are blessed. 

So many people have come together to make our market available to everyone that we will have a legacy of locally grown foods for generations. Thank you.

We’re keeping the legacy up with all the help of our current volunteer staff. Rick, Janet, Chad, Karen, Shelley, Hannah and Nick. Thank you also to our slew of event volunteers, who have helped with kid’s activities and meals. Eric, Zac, Brittany, Kim, Ann, Kathy, Nancy, Steve, Cherie, Sam, Stephen, Kim, Deb, Oma, and the Trolley Guys. Y’all rocked the socks off our summer.

Now I need to stop gushing about how wonderful our community is. We definitely have our oddities and ugly sides, but all in all… “We Love It Here.”

As for market news, I am heading out Thursday to Agee’s Herb & Produce, where a grape orchard and stand of blackberry canes are putting on large and sweet berries in September. Blackberries are more of a May-July crop. As a seasonal eater, I am tickled to see something as luxurious as a juicy blackberry in September. Earlier this year, Jim Agee grew red raspberry, black raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and a variety of vegetables, such as jalapenos. This time of year, he and his wife, Dee, grow pawpaws, tomatoes, in addition to the grapes and blackberries, and infuse vinegar containing berry juice.

Jim and Dee have been farming for 13 years near the small town of Fairview, Mo. Prior to farming, Jim had a career as an astro science engineer. His handy work is a part of many pieces of equipment, with projects for the space shuttles and the space station. He retired in 2007 and decided to pursue a lifelong dream, farming.

I’ve had to apologize to Jim because this season has provided such inconsistent placement of vendors in the pavilion. He’s usually on the south end next to Misty Morning, but the other day I only had room on the north end by Redings Mill. The following market he was back to the south end, however, that didn’t last either. I had him in Lee Family Farms spot this last Saturday since the Lees had a family get-together. 

Consequently, his farm stand is like the Where’s Waldo of the market because we are so full I squeeze him in anywhere I can. I appreciate Jim being more than patient with me.

So come try to find where I put Agee’s Herb & Produce this Saturday. Should be fun.