There’s a bumper crop of changes at the Crystal City Farmers Market: new name, new leadership and new location.
Sisters-in-law Makenzee Willhelm, 28, of Pevely, and Bree Willhelm, 28, of Florissant, have taken over as market hosts of the Crystal City Farmers Market, which has been redubbed the Sunday Bloom Market. They also announced a change of location to the Crystal City Municipal Park and Pool, at 1511 Park Ave, near the tennis courts.
The market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday.
The Crystal City Farmers Market was organized by Emily Riddick midway through last year’s market season in July and had been held in the Huxco Construction parking lot, 102 N. Truman Blvd. The Willhelms were both vendors at the market. Makenzee owns Plot Twist, a mobile bookstore specializing in upcycling books and handmade accessories. Bree owns Breezy’s, a mobile allergen-friendly bakery and coffee shop.
When Riddick decided it was time to hand over the reins to different leaders, she asked the Willhelms if they would be willing to step up.
“She asked us if we were interested in taking over because she had too much going on, and she just didn’t have time for it,” Makenzee said.
Makenzee said she and Bree talked and decided that while they were willing to take over leadership, they wanted to make some big changes, starting with the location.
“We didn’t like the location. It didn’t feel safe. Cars were driving through the market, and there were kids walking around. It just was not safe at all,” Makenzee said.
She said they discussed moving the market to the park instead.
“There’s grass, there’s a flat area, there’s a bunch of people that would be around playing at the park, there’s a bathroom, there’s electric for vendors or food trucks. It seemed like it was a really good place to put it,” Makenzee said.
Makenzee said the first week went much better than they expected, with approximately 450 customers stopping by the market. She said previous markets at the old location had only brought in around 100 customers per week.
“We were really surprised when that happened,” Makenzee said. “We had a vendor who does baked goods that sold out by 11:45. They were used to the other location, so they were kind of unprepared.”
Makenzee said 14 vendors were there for the first week and it grew to 19 in the second week, which was held on Mother’s Day.
Bree said approximately 330 customers came to the park for their second week, which was more than she expected for it being a holiday.
Makenzee said there is room for about 40 vendors and the hopes are for the market to continue to grow as more and more people become familiar with it.
Makenzee said items for sale include craft items, 3-D printed items, jewelry, gifts, t-shirts, candles, plants, produce, honey, baked items, cotton candy, coffee, dirty sodas, food trucks and more.
Bree said she hopes all the changes with the farmers market allow it to have a fresh new start with a positive environment for both vendors and customers alike.
“We want it to feel like a safe space for anyone of any type of background to be able to come to the market, whether that be a customer or a vendor. We’re extremely inclusive, and we just want anyone to feel like they can come enjoy what is going on within the community,” Bree said. “We want it to be a very open, positive and friendly experience. You’ll notice that we’re saying hey to people when they’re walking into the market.”
Bree said their intention is to create a community-driven market to spotlight local businesses, farmers and crafters while highlighting the Crystal City Park and providing a relaxing atmosphere for families to enjoy.
“Our goal is to make you feel like we’re kind of all just a big family out at the park together,” Bree said. “It’s bringing people together to not only celebrate local artisans and crafters but giving people a chance to meet new people in the community, meet up with their friends and family, and enjoy a nice day out. Sundays in particular are a family day, and that’s one of the reasons that we chose to keep it on Sunday. This is something to look forward to before you start another busy week ahead.”
The Sunday Bloom Market will be posting a weekly vendor lineup on its Facebook page. Those wishing to sign up to be a vendor at the market can find a link to the application on its Facebook page or call 636-212-3098 for more information.