Farmer's Market Fall Festival set for Sept. 18

The arrival of fall means fresh produce, fun and games for the Fort Scott Farmer's Market Association.

The second annual Farmer's Market Fall Festival is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 18, at Skubitz Plaza near the Fort Scott National Historic Site. The event includes cooking demonstrations and free samples, live music, a variety of games and contests, and several hands-on arts and crafts activities for children. Market vendors will also be on hand selling produce and arts and crafts items.

"It's a nice, fun time for families," Fort Scott Farmer's Market Association spokeswoman Mary Corpstein said.

Bobbi Kemna, a local clay artist, will have clay on site for children to work with to make pinch pots. Local resident Sue Jones will teach basic knitting, and spinning of yarn on a spinning wheel. Youth will be able to participate in a chalk art contest for coupons that can be used to purchase pumpkins at the market. The first place winner in the contest will be awarded a $10 coupon, second place will receive a $7 coupon, third place will receive a $5 coupon, and fourth place will receive a $3 coupon. All participants in the contest will receive a prize.

Chris Maycumber, a local businessman and chef, will give a cooking demonstration using seasonal fresh produce provided by market vendors and provide free samples and recipes of the dishes he prepares. Live music during the festival will be provided by the 2-man acoustic Ozark Mountain Snake Band.

Randy Gregg, the chairman of the Fort Scott Farmer's Market Association, said other activities at the festival include a photo area decorated with straw, mums and pumpkins that will be available for attendees who have cameras and wish to take family photos. Various craft vendors will be on site as well as a professional knife and scissors sharpener.

"It's not too early to think about having holiday carving knives sharpened, or 4-Her's to get shears ready for next year," Corpstein said.

Market-goers who arrive early will receive a free reusable shopping bag made of recycled material. The bags have been donated by the Visioning a Healthier Bourbon County Health and Wellness Committee. More than 100 bags will be distributed by market vendors.

Corpstein said last year's event was "well attended" and she hopes to see a similar turnout this year.

For more information on the event, contact Gregg at (620) 547-2159.