Two local farmer's markets will be recognized at the upcoming Kingdom of Callaway Supper.
The Fulton Farmer's Market and the New Bloomfield Farmer's Market will be this year's recipients of the Distinguished Service Award.
The Fulton Farmer's Market is receiving recognition for their service and commitment to Fulton and surrounding areas in Callaway County.
The farmer's market moved to the Brick District a few years ago, which has enhanced its presence in Fulton and the local community. One person critical to making this happen is Daniella Kilmer, who worked directly with the farmers to make the move to the Brick District successful.
Kilmer is still involved with the farmer's market. She helps schedule live music for the market and works with local crafters so they can sell their work at the market.
Kilmer said the farmer's market has continued to grow since moving to the Brick District. She said she is pleased people notice the Fulton Farmer's Market and are recognizing it with the Distinguished Service Award.
The Fulton Farmer's Market is open from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays in front of the Courthouse in the Brick District. They are also open from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesdays at Boyd and Boyd's parking lot. The farmer's market will continue until Oct. 31.
The New Bloomfield Farmer's Market is also being given the distinguished service award for its outstanding community service toward the enrichment and betterment of those in Callaway County.
Jane Hurtt and Nancy West are two of the founders of the New Bloomfield Farmer's Market and currently manage the market.
Hurtt graduated from New Bloomfield and pursued a career in education in the St. Louis area. After retiring, Hurtt moved back to Callaway County. West has been in Callaway County her whole life.
The market started 13 years ago and has been going on since then. Hurtt said this year the market had about 30 vendors total this year, with around 15 attending at one time.
Hurtt and West said they were completely surprised when they found out the market would be receiving the Distinguished Service Award. Hurtt said the two grew up together, so it is a special experience for them to share. They said they never expected to receive the award.
"We weren't aiming to get any kind of award or recognition, we just wanted to do a service for the community," Hurtt said.
The New Bloomfield Farmer's Market is open from 7:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays at 314 Redwood Drive in New Bloomfield. Hurtt said the market is beginning to wind down, and will probably finish for the year by the end of October.
The supper will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at William Woods University. The President's reception will begin at 5 p.m. at the Gladys Woods Kemper Art Center. Dinner will begin at 7 p.m. at the Tucker Dining Hall, and the program will begin at 8 p.m. at the Dulany Auditorium.
Tickets for the dinner are $20 and can be purchased at Callaway Bank, Central Bank, United Security Bank, Callaway Chamber of Commerce, Crane's Store, the Fulton Moser's and Short Stop in Millersburg.
This year's Kingdom of Callaway Supper is the 117th annual event.