Special events scheduled as part of Fort Scott's Farmers' Market this month

Organizers of the Fort Scott Farmer's Market recently announced their schedule of events for June.

There has been a slight change in hours and location for the market on Saturday. Due to Good Ol' Days activities taking place in the area that day, the market will operate from 8 to 10 a.m. in the parking lot of Don Woods Moving, located between the Ellis Foundation, 10 State St., and the old train depot on Wall Street. The market normally takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays and from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays through October at Skubitz Plaza.

Customers should enter the market on Wall Street and exit on First Street.

Tuesday will be the first day of a new event added this year -- basket drawings. Baskets will be filled with products from the day's market donated by vendors and a gift certificate to a local business that will be given away. Registration will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. that day. Participants must be present to win. Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin will draw the winner. The drawings will take place on the first and third Tuesday of every month.

The first of three market festivals will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 11, at Skubitz Plaza. Local organic gardener Randy Gregg will provide a cooking demonstration and free samples. The demonstration will feature seasonal fresh produce available at the market.

During the festival, the Fort Scott Police Department will host the 3rd Annual Bike Rodeo, which will give kids a chance to ride through an obstacle course. Free bike inspections will be offered and registration is also free. FSPD School Resource Office Toby Nighswonger will conduct the rodeo.

On Tuesday, June 14, Flag Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1165 Color Guard will conduct a presentation of the United States flag. Fort Scott Mayor Jim Adams will lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and serve as master of ceremonies for a teddy bear parade. Market organizers are encouraging the public to come out to honor the flag and bring a teddy bear for the procession.

Certificates will be presented to winners of four categories -- largest bear, smallest bear, oldest bear and best-dressed bear. Each parade participant will be presented with a flag.

Farmers Market Association spokeswoman and vendor Mary Corpstein said she encourages people of all ages to "get out the bears and let's celebrate and honor our country's symbol of freedom."

On Saturday, June 18, the Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department will conduct a free blood pressure clinic from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the market on Skubitz Plaza.

Another basket drawing will take place on Tuesday, June 21, the first day of summer. The drawing will include food products and a gift certificate to another local business.

Corpstein said there is "a lot of great fresh seasonal produce" available at the market, including beets, broccoli, summer squashes, cauliflower, peas, lettuces, chard, spinach, green onions, radishes, potatoes, herbs, gooseberries, turnips and cabbage. Farm fresh eggs, jellies, baked goods, as well as craft items are also available.