Ferguson Market opens on Farm Day

Tuesday, April 24, 2007 3:52 PM CDT

The Ferguson Farmers' Market, AgriMissouri's Market of the Year, will kick off its fifth season Saturday, April 28, with a new schedule of special events and a cooking school. It is officially named Farm Day.

In addition to more than 30 veterans, this year's vendors include one selling flowers, a Missouri vineyard and grape seller and Great Harvest Bread Co. with freshly baked gourmet breads.

Adding to Saturday breakfast offerings will be cooked-to-order omelets, made entirely from market-fresh products.

  The official market chef, Tony Lonero of The Caterer, will be among those demonstrating dishes made with fresh foods at the market each morning.

As the season progresses, other culinary and horticultural experts will provide informative sessions on topics that include cooking with herbs, canning the perfect pickle and preparing a meal made with flowers.

The Mystery Veggie School, an epicurean adventure designed to introduce shoppers to under-appreciated produce, will follow as well.

Popular contests and events like the Great Potato Festival, Barbecue Cook-Off and All-American Pie Day will be revisited. The Bluegrass Jam will be held May 26 and garlic will be celebrated on a gala day Sept. 8.

The market is open from 8 a.m. to noon through October in the Ferguson Citywalk district, 20 S. Florissant Road. It is one block from the North County Bikeway.

More information is found on the Web site http://www.fergusonfarmersmarket.com.