St. Charles Mustard Maker to be Featured at the Best of Missouri Market

Searching for quality regional products begins with shopping the best markets. Consider the best of the best — the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Best of Missouri Market.

The 21st annual event, which will be held Oct. 5 through Oct. 7, is one of the oldest sustainable markets in the Midwest that continues attract thousands of shoppers.

“We have everything from alpacas to salsa,” said Holly Berthold, a spokesperson for the garden. “Since the market’s beginning 21 years ago, the Best of Missouri Market’s goal was to bring together Missouri’s best regional artisans and crafters together.”

St. Charles resident Charlie Adams, owner of River Bend Specialties, will sell specialty mustard at the event. Adams started making the mustard based on a family recipe from 1935. Grandpa Spencer's Sweet and Spicy Mustard features a photo of Grandpa Spencer on the front. 

Back in the early 1990s buying local was a concept, which was just gaining support, thanks in part to the then new Agri-Missouri program. Today, buying local has become the mantra for shoppers, reflecting more than the locavore food movement.

It also supports regional artists Adams as will be joined this year by more than 120 artisans such The Gourd Sisters, a company which specializes in decorative gourds. Thirty new vendors will join the market this year. Chesterfield’s Wicked Cactus Sauce, which creates handcrafted gourmet hot sauces and salsa, is one of the market's new vendors.

The Best of Missouri Market takes place at the Missouri Botanical Garden on Oct. 6 and 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine. To get a sneak peek shoppers can tale advantage of First Look Friday on Oct. 5 from 6 to 9 p.m. Each day will feature live entertainment, a food court and a special Kids Corner that will offer pumpkin decorating and craft projects.

Admission to the Best of Missouri Market is $12 for adults, $10 for visitors 65 and plus and $5 for garden members and children 3 to 12 years old. Anyone joining the garden during the Best of Missouri Market will receive free admission for two adults and all children 12 and younger for everyday of the festival.

For more information, visit the garden's website. 

Kalen Ponche contributed to this article. Reach her at kalen.ponche@patch.com.