Joplin Empire Market to Host Pepper Fest Event on August 9 to Celebrate National Farmers Market Week

(Joplin, MO) – On Saturday, August 9, the Joplin Empire Market will host Pepper Fest, a celebration of summer produce as their kickoff to National Farmers Market Week. The event will be held during regular market hours of 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at their facility at 931 E. 4th Street.

Highlights include:

• Hot Head Challenge — Taste your way up the Scoville Units chart with local and exotic hot sauces! If you reach the hottest, you will receive a Hot Head Certificate and all the respect that comes with it, compliments of Purple Chin and Pepper-ridge Hot Sauces.
• 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.
• Pepper Fest Cantina — The Area Agency on Aging Region X will be selling tasty margaritas at the Pepper Fest Cantina as part of a fundraiser for their organization. Make sure to get yours before they run out!
• Gourmet Food Selection — Sweet Lemon (comfort food) and Uncle B’s Philly Cheese Steaks will be set up outside and the Newton Kitchen windows will host Nan Made (Thai food) and Purple Chin Condiment Co. (pizzas and more).
• Fun for the Whole Family – Guests can expect a chili pepper photo booth 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, like Carolina Reaper Cashews from The Nut Shack. Nonnie’s Kitchen will offer spicy treats like Bang Bang Skittles and Mango Habanero Skittles, along with her usual dried jalapenos. Look for Jalapeno Cheese Bread from Countryside Bakery, Jalapeno Jelly from Aunt Andie’s Jellies, and State Flair will have infused Pepper Honey, within intriguing names such as Devils in the Beetails, Van Hell Sing, and Hella Hot.

There is no charge for entry into the event.

For more information, please email leann@downtownjoplin.com.

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:

Leann Halsey
Downtown Joplin Alliance
479.799.1936
leann@downtownjoplin.com