The sign at the Soulard Market says it’s been open for business since 1779. That’s hooey,  but there’s still a lot of history around the old gathering place for anybody wanting the finest fresh fruits and vegetables as well as meats, cheeses, baked goods, flowers, yummy eateries and a variety  of general merchandise. The market at 730 Carroll Street in the city’s historic Soulard neighborhood is by far the oldest (since 1838, actually), biggest, and best farmers’ market in St. Louis. Now I have my own stand,

Merkel’s STL Books & Things

Open most Saturdays, the stand features my books about St. Louis, other fine books about St. Louis and thereabouts by Reedy Press as well as fantastic  St. Louis T-shirts by STL-Style. As time goes on, I’ll add other products that celebrate the Gateway City and may host some book signings. It’s the perfect match for my main gig of writing books that speak of the glories of our city by the river. Hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. If you’ve never been to the Soulard Market, it’s an experience. Come by and take a look. I’ll give you a coupon good for $2.50 off my next book The Colorful Characters of St. Louis when it comes out this fall. Maybe you’ll make some history.

This Saturday, I’ll be up at the Buder Branch of the St. Louis Public Library eating breakfast and talking about what it means to be German-American in St. Louis. I’ll do some reading from my book Beer, Brats, and Baseball: St. Louis Germans and discussing the history and character of the largest ethnic group in St. Louis.  The event is at 10:30 a.m.; the address is 4401 Hampton Avenue. Come share some food for thought