We're just a couple weeks away from the return of the Burg's beloved and nationally renowned Saturday Morning Market. We had the opportunity to sit down with market director Mark Johnson to discuss what the city can expect from this year's cast of vendors.
This October, the Saturday Morning Market will feature several vendors that have become staples in the business profile of the Burg. The Urban Canning Company and Mother Kombucha are among the local businesses setting up shop.
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For the uninitiated, Urban Canning Company makes artisan jams and unusual pickled foods. The company utilizes locally sourced produce and is the brainchild of St. Pete native, Illene Sofranko. There's no trace of dyes or artificial ingredients in their jars. Whether you're looking for a simple strawberry spread or a fall inspired D'Anjoi Pear Ginger and Habanero jam, you'll discover satisfaction with the Urban Canning Company.
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*Photo by Urban Canning Co.
Mother Kombucha gives the Burg its daily dose of probiotics, antioxidants and amino acids. The tea-seller commits itself to serving locals delicious kombucha in a variety of flavors. The company only uses organic, fair trade teas. Each blend is flavored with organic juices, spices and herbal tinctures for unadulterated enjoyment and benefit.
*Photo by Mother Kombucha
It's no easy task getting a spot at the market. Johnson explains that they get applications from as far as Jacksonville from businesses hoping to find exposure in the blossoming St. Pete area. The influx of vendor applications from all over the state of Florida allows the market to keep a sense of dynamism.
Another fresh face Mark Johnson is excited about is Azteca Rojo, a vendor that will provide authentic Mexican food. Their tamales are legend and will add a bit of spice to the hunger inducing perfume of the market.
*Photo by Azteca Rojo
There will also be a new produce vendor at the south end of the market. The vendors are a family sourcing all their product from Plant City and Immokalee.
While the food may be the main lure of the market, Johnson revealed that they plan to expand their entertainment. There will be a portrait artist, accordion player, master bubble blower, dancers, a magician and a juggler. The market will feature a chalk artist. The local love persists with community groups providing live music and performances for patrons. This year the market has invited the St. Pete Opera, Lakewood Jazz Ensemble, the Eckerd College Choir and the Mt. Zion Drum Core.
This fall, the Saturday Morning Market will do more than sell you fresh produce, they're going to show you how to cook it too. Local chefs will provide demonstrations using meat, veggies and seasonings sourced from market vendors.
One of the marquee vendors at the market, Worden Farms, typically open the 3rd or 4th weekend of the season will be selling early this year. The produce vendors will be selling fresh veggies the first week of the market.
*Photo by Worden Farms
Though, the biggest addition to the market that has us gushing is the communal compost heap at the market. With so much compostable produce bought, devoured and tossed at the market it only makes that they find a way to turn the excess into energy. The compost area will distill the much coveted worm tea. The tea is one of the most effective forms of fertilizer.
Johnson assures us that the compost center will be odor free. Now you can be locally and environmentally conscious each and every Saturday.
There's more to come from the Saturday Morning Market but some things need to be left to the imagination. The market returns October 4th. You don't want to miss out, the Urban Gypsies will be performing live that day. The Saturday Morning Market is open from 9am-2pm and is located at 230 1st St SE (at 1st Ave S. & 1st St.).
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