Fair Grove Farmers Market best in Missouri for 2010

Fair Grove Farmers Market has taken top honors as the 2010 Missouri Farmers Market of the Year. The award was presented Wednesday evening.

The state honor is given each year by the Missouri Department of Agriculture to a farmers market that sets an example by adding value to its community and connecting farmers to consumers, according to an MDA news release. The market in Fair Grove, which received $1,000 as part of the award, was honored for its youth programs, educational outreach and producer development efforts.

This year is the 11th season for the Fair Grove market, located under a pavilion at Wommack Mill in downtown Fair Grove. The market is open 3:30-7 p.m. every Wednesday through early October and requires that all goods sold be produced by the vendors presenting them.

“The Fair Grove Farmers Market exemplifies how to maintain a successful market, offer fresh, locally-grown produce and provide programs to reach out to youth and their community,” Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler said in the release.

Other markets were recognized in numerous categories. The Fair Grove market was recognized for the Best Advertising/Marketing Campaign. Webb City Farmers Market won for best photo, and De Soto Farmers Market won the Best Event award for its "Meet Me at the Market" program.