Where did September go?!

This month has FLOWN by; we’ve been busy putting in some fall crops on the farm, enjoying the cooler weather at the farmers markets, and preparing for a jampacked few weeks of awesome food and farm related events in the St. Louis area!

As we rev up for our 2nd Annual Pesto Festo, I wanted to share with you all one of the main purposes of the event, besides to throw a wildly fun party and raise some much-needed funds.

Just as last year EarthDance honored lifelong organic farmer Caroline Mueller, we will again be honoring a local farmer for their contribution to the sustainable agriculture movement. To celebrate our full mission of growing and inspiring local FARMS - Food, Art, Relationships, & Music, Sustainably, we’ve decided to also honor a local artist, community activist, and musician for their contributions to creating vibrant and sustainable communities.

And, the recipients of this year’s EarthDance Mission Awards are… (drumroll, please)

FARMER: John Wilkerson

ARTIST: Autumn Wiggins

COMMUNITY ACTIVIST: Dwayne James

MUSICIAN: Colleen Heine

Each of them has made their mark in the St. Louis community and beyond, not only working towards sustainability and connectivity in their professional work, but also in their personal lives, and in their encouragement of others to do the same. We’ll be telling their stories through short videos that will be screened during the awards ceremony. Please join us in thanking them for their work in the spirit of the EarthDance Mission!

In addition to honoring these individuals, we’ll also be celebrating the end of our 1st growing season as an organization on the Mueller Farm! Our ‘Freshman Farmies’ will be completing their first season as apprentices with EarthDance. As a group, these beginner farmers have sold at 41 farmers markets, visited 12 local farms, learned at 29 enrichment sessions, and worked too many hours to count on the farm! It has been inspiring to work amongst 12 individuals who are so dedicated to creating a healthy and environmentally-sound food system for all.