Although Facebook and other online communities have several groups that are set up for bartering or can be considered “buy nothing” groups, one community emerged earlier this year that’s taking the idea of swapping goods with people in your community one step further.
On the last Saturday of each month, a group of people get together at the Scenic Regional Library’s Owensville Branch to trade homemade and homegrown goods with one another.
Homegrown veggies like garden fresh tomatoes, sponges made from dried luffa plants, as well as homemade baked and canned goods are a few items from a past event. Photo credit: Taylor Miller via Facebook.
In June, Owensville resident Taylor Miller decided to create The Homemade Exchange based on an idea she’d seen online. These monthly meetups offer people based in the Owensville area an opportunity to connect with others, chat, and exchange items on a free, one-for-one basis.
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Items can range from homegrown flowers, herbs, and vegetables, to baked goods, and handmade items. Other edible items at past events have included home canned goods like salsas, jams and jellies, spices and seasoning blends, as well as eggs, homemade teas and homemade apple cider vinegar. Non-food items are also welcome, like handmade art, homemade soaps, or similar items.
“We’ve had an average of about 10 people show up each month,” Taylor says.
The growth has been mostly organic, although Taylor has shared a few Facebook ads to help spread the word about the events. The meeting space inside the library has capacity for just over 30 people, so there’s room for the events to grow.
Although it’s still early days, she can see how The Homemade Exchange might grow beyond its current iteration, and is open to the possibility of holding the exchange meetups in additional local communities. And since the exchanges center around anything homegrown or homemade, Taylor plans to keep the exchanges going throughout the winter.
“I think it gives people something to do and a little socialization to look forward to throughout the winter, too,” she explains.
Homegrown herb and flower bundles as well as garlic and baked goods are a few edible items that have been brought to past exchanges. Artists have also brought items like prints of paintings they’ve created. Photo credit: Taylor Miller via Facebook.
While Taylor’s been happy with the growth of the event and the variety of items brought to the monthly meetings, some things she’d love to see at future gatherings include homemade woodworking pieces, homemade cheese, and non-food items like fiber arts, such as crochet and knit pieces.
There’s a Facebook group for the meetups, but Taylor says that people don’t have to connect in that way in order to attend the monthly events.
“People can just show up,” she shares.
The next Homemade Exchange event is happening Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Scenic Regional Library Owensville Branch from 11:15 a.m. – noon. Follow The Homemade Exchange on Facebook to stay up to date with the monthly meetups.
This week there’s ways to give back to our community, holiday and craft markets, a whiskey festival, and much more.
While I try to get as many events into each weekly post as I can, some events may be posted too late to make it into the article, but I share those items in my stories throughout the week, so be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram to get all the details! Also, sometimes things come up and events are canceled or rescheduled. While I strive to keep these posts as up to date as possible, always double check with the event venue before heading out, especially as fall and winter weather can force changes!
Tuesday, Nov. 18 If you’re looking for ways to give back to the community and make a difference, consider attending ReDiscover Union’s Volunteer Recruitment Night. Attendees will learn how through volunteering, they can help bring community events, beautification projects, and downtown initiatives to life. Find event time, location, and other details on Facebook.
Wednesday, Nov. 19 DeAnn’s Dazzling Designs in St. Clair is having a Christmas Ornament Workshop at 6 p.m. The cost is $20 and all supplies are included. Get more info and reserve your spot.
Thursday, Nov. 20 Pinckney Bend Distillery in New Haven is having a Holiday Cocktail How-to Class at East Central College. Learn how to create delicious holiday drinks that will impress your friends and family this season. Cost is $40 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit United Way. Learn more and register.
Friday, Nov. 21*Rescheduled to Sunday, Nov. 23* Union Furniture and Flooring is hosting a Christmas Block Party. There will be live music, a visit from Santa, hot cocoa and cider, children’s activities, and much more. Due to Friday’s weather forecast, this event has been rescheduled for Sunday. Get all the details.
Friday, Nov. 21 Pink Friday is a nationwide event to show support for your local businesses and Shop Small! Head to Historic Sullivan (Main Street) for a fun shopping experience. Attendees should pick up a punch card and by visiting all locations, they’ll be entered in a drawing for a huge giveaway valued at $200 and each shop will have their own specials, sales, and fun giveaways. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 21 Chris Brown State Farm Agency in Union is hosting an event that honors Veterans from 3-6 p.m. There will be BBQ, sides, and dessert, and more. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 21 Glittering Grapevine line dancing is teaching free line dancing at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 22 Calling all whiskey drinkers! The Washington Whiskey Festival is happening at The Historic John B. Busch Brewery Event Center and will feature whiskeys and bourbons from regional and national distilleries. Find out more.
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Saturday, Nov. 22 Head to the Elks Lodge in WashMO for the Washington Craft & Gift Expo, organized by the Washington Farmers’ Market. The event will feature over 65 vendors (including those from the market). Shop items in the categories of holiday decor, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, and accessories, along with body care items, candles and lots of other handmade and unique gift items. Food and drink will be available for purchase during the event. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 22 The Fraternal Order of Eagles in Sullivan is hosting a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament. The tournament starts at noon, with food available for purchase by The Ladies Auxillary. Get prices and more details.
Saturday, Nov. 22 Shop from over 60 vendors and makers at the Fall Craft & Vendor Fair at Lighthouse Ministry Center in Villa Ridge. The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Nov. 20 Espresso Laine in Hermann is having a Christmas Open House. The coffee shop and retail store will have extended hours, sales, and Mr. Murphy’s Spuds, a baked potato-themed food truck, will be onsite serving food. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 21 & Saturday, Nov. 22 Long Row Lavender in Wright City is hosting an Autumn & Holiday Market. This market will take place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. each day and will be an indoor/outdoor market with 10+ vendors in attendance. Enjoy live music and take in the holiday season decorations around the farm. Get the details.
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Sunday, Nov. 23 It’s the final weekend of the Fall Farewell Fest at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Shop end-of-season pumpkin deals, sip hot cider, and enjoy all your favorite fall activities before saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter fun. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 22 Heartland Farms in Bourbon is hosting its 9th Annual Craft Fair. The event will happen from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. and is a rain or shine event. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 22 Head to Eureka for a Winter Market on Central, “A Pop-Up Celebration.” Following the tree lighting at the spur, take a stroll down Central Avenue to patronize several businesses. Find out more.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Union, thanks to the work of two local artists. Eileen Wade and Donna Huellinghoff are the duo behind the festive paintings that grace the windows of various businesses as well as Union City Hall during the holiday season.
What started a few years ago at one business, has quickly grown to a fun and jolly way for downtown businesses to get into the holiday spirit.
Each window’s design varies, but the scenes are always colorful, festive, and often feature a bit of whimsy.
On a chilly Tuesday morning, I sat down with Eileen and Donna at White Rose Cafe in Union, and over a delicious cup of hot chocolate, the artists shared the story of how they started painting windows in downtown.
Both artists have been creating art in one way or another for most of their adult lives, but started creating together in 2016 at a studio Eileen had at that time. Donna taught various art techniques at the studio, like creating barn quilt designs.
Eileen (left), and Donna (right), putting the finishing touches on the window designs at White Rose Cafe on a chilly November morning.
Although Eileen ended up closing her studio due to personal reasons, a few years later in 2022, the artists decorated their first set of windows on a business in Union, at the White Rose Cafe. After that first holiday season, it grew from there.
“It’s all word of mouth,” Donna says of the process. “We’d be out there painting and someone at another business would come up to us and ask us to paint their windows.”
The windows at Union City Hall are decorated with colorful holiday characters.
In addition to the Christmas season designs, Eileen and Donna also paint windows in the downtown area for other holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and for the Union Homecoming celebration.
“It’s fun to share our art and challenge ourselves and think, ‘what could we fit in this window’s space?'” Eileen shares.
The process takes anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the number of windows and the design, among other factors.
“It depends on how many people stop and chat with us,” Eileen says with a laugh. “But that’s what’s fun and that’s why I laugh about it.”
The window decor at Sip on Main depict Santa and Rudolph after they’ve enjoyed a few too many “sips,” along with beautiful holiday cocktails.
Along with the painted windows, there’s also some permanent art installations that Eileen and Donna have created in Union. Together, they’ve painted eight murals that can be found throughout town, including the scene that runs along the wall inside Hansen Park, a mural along the wall at the MU Extension Center near the Pasta House, and several others.
The artists have also painted several murals around Union, including this one that is along the exterior wall of the Franklin County Historical Society in downtown Union.
See more photos of the holiday window paintings on Facebook. And be sure to take a stroll through downtown Union to look at the designs first-hand, they’re sure to make you smile and put you in the holiday spirit!
This week there’s Veterans Day Celebrations, opportunities to get crafty, and Ladies Nights galore! Check out these events and others below.
Monday, Nov. 10 The Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Native American Story Telling event from 6-7 p.m. This presentation focuses on traditional stories told primarily by Choctaw, Cherokee, and Delaware Nations/tribes. Pre-registration is required to attend. Register here.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Tuesday, Nov. 11 The Tipsy Keg in Washington is honoring those who served with its Veterans Day Celebration. The event will feature free meals and haircuts for vets, along with a “Cheers to Our Heroes” Coaster Campaign, where guests can grab a special coaster and write a heartfelt thank-you note for veterans. Find out more.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 The public is welcome to stop by the American Legion Post 218 in Washington for its Veterans Day Ceremony. Get more information.
Thursday, Nov. 13 R & R Ace in St. Clair is hosting its annual Ladies Night, an evening full of samples, drinks, and surprises. Enjoy 20% off storewide (10% off Power Tools), sip on boozy slush samples, taste small batch salsas, try out some unique dips, grab a specialty drink from the Poppy & Co drink truck, explore gift recommendations, and more. Learn more.
Thursday, Nov. 13 The final Music on Main of the season is happening at Hansen Park in Union. Enjoy live music by Tobey Fisher, with food available for purchase from Ramblin’ Rooster food truck and drinks by Sip on Main. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 14 The Washington Public Library is having a Gilmore Girls Craft-a-Thon. Attendees will have an opportunity to watch episodes of the iconic TV show and craft. Attendees can bring their own crafts to work on, or choose from a number of crafts with supplies provided by the library as well as coffee and mugs to take home. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 14 Head to Vero Fitness in Pacific for Ladies Night. Shop local vendors, enjoy snacks and beverages, and an evening of good vibes and fun. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 Glittering Grapevine is offering line dancing at McKelvey Vineyards from 5 – 8 p.m. Join in on this beginner friendly evening of dancing. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 14 Head to The Tipsy Keg in Washington from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. to celebrate Friendsgiving. The event will include drink specials, music, and guests are encouraged to bring a canned good item. Each canned good donated will secure you one raffle entry. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 14 Take a wreath & candle making workshop at Andy’s Produce Too in Union’s Back Home location (U.S. 50). Registration required. Register here.
Saturday, Nov. 15 The annual Downtown Washington’s Does Day Out is a day of patronizing local businesses. This year nearly two dozen businesses will have something special or on sale for this one-day event. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 McKelvey Vineyards is hosting a Does Day Out. This ticketed event includes mimosas and brunch, live music, wine tastings, local vendors, games, raffles, and more. Advance tickets $25 or $30 at door.
Saturday, Nov. 15 Head to Pacific for the 4th Annual Pizza, Puzzle, and Beer Competition. Gather your crew of 4 and be the first to finish a custom made 500+ puzzle, devour an extra large pizza and drink 18 beers. Find out more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 There will be a downtown Christmas Market in Sullivan. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and find curated crafts and gifts. More info.
Sunday, Nov. 16 Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a Christmas Ladies Night from 4-8 p.m. There will be opportunities to sip, shop, and get prizes. Be sure to wear your Ugly Sweater! Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 Veterans are encouraged to drop by Main St. Real Estate in Washington for free coffee and donuts provided by Travelin’ Tom’s from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Learn more.
Thursday, Nov. 13 The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting a Thanksgiving Paint & Sip event. Preregistration required to attend, and attendees receive $5 off their food/drink orders. Register and find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 St. James Winery is hosting a Holiday Cheers Cocktail Workshop. Attendees will mix, sip, and savor three holiday-inspired cocktails, enjoy a charcuterie grazing board, and take home recipe cards to recreate the cocktails at home this holiday season. Limited spots available, learn more and register.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Lange General Store in Steelville is hosting a weekend shopping event for ladies. While the men hunt, head to the store in downtown Steelville for deals, with everything in the store marked down 20-50%. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Mary’s Country Store and Antique’s in Cuba will have a weekend shopping event with discounts found throughout the store. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Experience the best parts of fall one more time at Fall Farewell Fest at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Shop end-of-season pumpkin deals, sip hot cider, and enjoy all your favorite fall activities before saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter fun. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 Stop by St. James Winery for a relaxed afternoon of holiday cheer, shopping, and sipping. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine samples, fresh-baked holiday cookies, beautifully curated holiday gift boxes, special in-store discounts, and more. Get more info.
Sunday, Nov. 16 The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting an indoor Craft Fair from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find unique and hand-made gifts for that special person on your shopping list! Find out more.
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