Fresh Produce at Soulard Market in St. Louis, Missouri

Soulard Market is the St. Louis, Missouri destination Wednesdays-Saturdays for fresh produce. And, there's more: meat, fish, eggs (even Ostrich and Emu, See Pic #1), pets, flowers, pastries, pasta, spices, beer, clothes, rugs and music.

The market is open year round but the best day to go is Saturday when all the booths are filled. Folks cram the aisles looking for bargains. It's a great place for people watching (Pic #5).

Soulard Market has had history of highs and lows. The land was donated in 1838 by Julia Cerre Soulard. Some say it was an act of philanthropy; others say it didn't hurt the value of the land she owned that surrounded the site.

In 1843 the first building went up. Funded by a group of farmers and vendors it became Soulard Market. In direct competition with the nearby city funded French Market one can only imagine the price wars that ensued.

During the years of the Civil War it was taken over by the Union army.

In 1896 a tornado nearly destroyed it.

The market was renewed during the "City Beautiful" campaigns of 1909 to 1911.

A new building was erected in 1928-29. It's eastern facade boasted columns and a pediment roof line in the then popular Greek Revival style.

After that there were periods of decline with threats of demolition, was declared a slum, and in the 197Os began a comeback.

Now on the weekends find the grounds of Soulard Market filled with activities ranging from retail, flea markets, art exhibits, concerts and dog parades. People come from the nearby Soulard and Benton Park neighborhoods, and from the suburbs surrounding the city of St. Louis. They fill bags, boxes and hand-pulled carts with their finds. At home their families enjoy the bountiful harvests of local farmers.

Even local restaurants take advantage of the fresh produce that their chefs turn into scrumptious dishes.

Some of the vendors hawk their wares with loud cries of, "Watermelons $5." They entice you to try a bite of a juicy peach or crisp apple. Booths are arranged with the bright colors and blended aromas of strawberries, lettuce, potatoes, mangoes (Pic #2), cherries, pineapples, tomatoes, squashes, peppers, bouquets of fresh cut flowers (Pic #4) and more that the land and farmers work to produce.

There are vendors ready to service shoppers that get hungry or are just ready to take a break. Beer or a Bloody Mary, a hot dog or a sweet pastry, a bowl of gumbo or loaf of French bread can bought and consumed right there. Listen to some fine fiddle playing or a three piece Bluegrass band (Pic #3) while relaxing.

Other vendors offer baseball caps with the logos of sports teams, colorful clothing, incenses, Native American collectibles, Oriental decorative items, and a wide selection of house plants.

Soulard Market brings people to the urban areas to shop, supports small businesses, provides opportunities for small farmers to sell their produce, keeps public places vibrant, and allows urban customers to get fresh, quality produce.

Oh yeah, and it's a fun way to be a part of the neighborhood.

Check out the Soulard Market website for more information. For more pics check out the slideshow.