Shopping local at farmers’ markets, craft shows and other eco-friendly events is one great way to kick off the Spring season, and you’ll be supporting artists creating completely handmade and recycled products from things you may throw away. Mark your calendars today with these fun events beginning in March in St. Louis! It’s also another reason to get out and enjoy the springtime weather!
Farmers’ markets are excellent places to visit to buy local, homegrown and organic fruits and veggies for your family. Many of the markets are filled with some of best handmade cheeses, pastries and crafts in town. While you are shopping you’ll be giving back to the local economy, using fewer resources, and saving the planet. Check out St. Louis Community Farmers’ Markets’ Facebook page for information on this (relatively) rare Winter market; check out Local Harvest for local markets that open later in the Spring.
St. Louis’ Craft Mafia will be hosting one of the largest eco-friendly, indie craft shows in the Midwest, Green with Indie Craft Show (GWI), on Saturday, March 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Webster’s Grant Gym (lower level of the Webster University Center). This free, family-friendly show will feature approximately 60 local artists sharing an array of creations, from handmade skin care products to vintage clothing to organic, tasty treats. Patrons can enjoy listening to fun tunes by a local DJ, free parking and many opportunities to win gift baskets made up of an assortment of “100% unique” products donated by GWI vendors. Anyone can enter to win a basket by bringing a GWI event postcard to the show, which can be found at sponsors’ shops around town. Visit GWI’s Facebook and Twitter pages to learn how you can get a 10% discount off of your purchases from participating vendors at the show.
Off White Wedding Show is another indie event in St. Louis featuring vendors who are helping brides plan their big day using local, sustainable resources. This one-day only show will be on Sunday, March 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Third Degree Glass Factory. There will be vendors on hand to assist with everything a bride may need including custom designed wedding gowns to organic caterers and chocolatiers. Brea McAnally, the founder and organizer of Off White, hopes the event will be personalized for “off-beat” brides hoping to share handmade, eco-friendly products with their wedding guests. You can visit the show’s Facebook page and blog to learn how you can purchase your ticket to this one-of-a-kind event.
While Spring is a perfect time to get out and start shopping locally, it doesn’t have to end when the season is over. You can search a range of online directories, blogs and social media pages to find other events featuring vendors sharing handmade, homegrown and totally eco-friendly products near you.
Image Credit: Orin Zebest