The first stop of the inaugural season the Taste of Local Missouri Food Festivals was in Fulton at Veteran's Park on Saturday.
"We're real pleased with it," said volunteer Bob Schulz, who is also on the board of the Missouri River Bluffs Association. "We're pleased with the crowd, and they seem to be pleased, too."
The event drew more than 200 over the course of five hours.
Vendors such as Legacy Beef and Mints n' More served samples of food all day. Delicacies such as ice cream made from honey, locally-made beer and wine, fresh honey and jelly were only a few of the items available for purchase and tasting.
Laura Carver, representing Missouri Deep Roots with the Missouri River Bluffs Association, was a local chef hired to do cooking demonstrations and serve samples to visitors. She created pizzas topped with salad greens, a strawberry smoothie and a salad with a raspberry vinaigrette.
"I'm glad I could help facilitate the relationship between the producer and the buyer," Carver said. "And it's been nice to talk to people."
She said that talking to people was one of her favorite parts of the day.
"It was also great seeing all the kids eat their greens today, and just love them," Carver said.
Lanette Kielbasa, the owner of Mints n' More on Court Street, agreed. "It's been nice talking to people, meeting new people, and running into customers," she said. "And it's been a nice day to be out of the shop."
Schulz was happy that the event went off well.
"We were concerned about the weather, but it's been fine," Schulz said. "We got a lot of people interested in what we're about."
The Taste of Local Missouri Food Festivals, which aim to increase awareness for healthier eating and locally grown food, will continue to California on June 22. Festivals will also take place in Linn, Jefferson City, Columbia and Boonville throughout the summer.