Farmers Market a step closer to The Meadows

Lake Saint Louis Alderman George Rich (Ward 3) has been the most enthusiastic proponent of the Farmer’s Market request for some special considerations in order to operate its 2012 season at The Meadows shopping center.

A resolution on the Feb. 21 Board of Aldermen agenda would accommodate the Market’s manager to be granted a single permit on behalf of all the vendors in exchange for the management working directly with the state Dept. of Revenue as regards sales tax reporting and collections.

“It (the resolution) is going to pass,” Rich said. “My main concern is that they’ll get swamped.”

The Farmers Market, at its O’Fallon location, has already made a good reputation for itself by limiting vendors to local growers and artists who have met the Board of Directors stringent standards.

Produce, meat, fresh eggs, flowers, plants and hand crafted items must be products from within a 100-mile radius of this area.

It earned its reputation with the educational programs and live entertainment that are a part of every Market Saturday during the growing season.

To be open from 8 a.m. until noon each Saturday, as weather permits, between April and October, the Market is expected to set up at The Meadows shopping center parking lot on the east side of the complex closest to Technology Drive.

Market directors also allow local not-for-profit organizations and local musicians the opportunity to participate. As the 2012 schedule is finalized updates will be posted at ofallonfarmersmarket.com/ and for driving directions at themeadowsatlsl.com/directions/.