Joplin Empire Market to Host Pepper Fest Event on August 3 to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

(Joplin, MO) – On Saturday, August 3, the Joplin Empire Market will host Pepper Fest, a celebration of summer produce, as the kickoff to National Farmers Market Week. The event will be held during the regular market hours of 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at their facility at 931 E. 4th Street.

Highlights will include:

• Salsa Tasting Bar – Sample a variety of gourmet salsas made by market vendors and volunteers for only $5. Tortilla chips included. All proceeds benefit the Downtown Joplin Alliance.
• Pepper Fest Cantina – The Area Agency on Aging Region X will be selling tasty margaritas as part of a fundraiser for their organization. Make sure to get yours before they sell out.
• Hot Head Challenge – Taste your way up the Scoville Units chart with local and exotic hot sauces! If you reach the hottest, you get a Hot Head certificate and all the respect!
• Fresh Pepper Roasting, Courtesy of Oakwoods Farm – Choose from a variety of locally grown hot and sweet peppers and have them fire-roasted while you wait!
• Fun for the Whole Family – There will be several photo booths set up, as well as a Color-a-Pepper station for kids (all free of charge).

The market halls will be bursting with summer produce and the creative vendors will be going all out with pepper-themed goodies, from spicy margaritas from Eagles’ Landing to Spicy Hot Skittles from Nonnie’s Kitchen to Pepperoni Cheese Bread from Countryside Bakery and Chili Pepper Jewelry from Nan Made! Be sure to grab some delicious, authentic pupusas from La Bonita Cafe, as well.

Your favorite regular market vendors will be set up as well, so you can grab your favorite local breads, produce, wine, plants, honey, eggs, coffee, pastured meat, bath and body products, and artisan goods. The market will be packed with vendors on Saturday!

For more information, please contact Ivy at ivy@downtownjoplin.com or call 928.514.7713.

About Downtown Joplin Alliance: 

Downtown Joplin Alliance is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization of the downtown community as a thriving, safe and attractive center of art, history, enterprise, commerce, culture, residence and entertainment. Downtown Joplin is host to many monthly, seasonal, and annual events designed to encourage community involvement and stimulate the local economy.

Reference:

Ivy Hagedorn, Programming & Marketing Director
Downtown Joplin Alliance
928.514.7713
ivy@downtownjoplin.com