I’m a farmers market kind of gal: I love getting up close and personal with the items I’m buying as well as meeting local makers, bakers, farmers, and vendors. So, in the spring of 2024 when I found a new to me sourdough business called Whisked by Krystal at the St. Clair Farmers Market, I was excited to meet and chat with the self-taught baker.
Although I wasn’t looking for freshly baked bread or delicious sweet baked goodies at that first meeting, they looked so amazing, I bought some things anyway…and I was instantly hooked! While her menu can vary at each market, the typical offerings are items like bread loaves, such as the beautiful artisan style depicted below, to French bread, or sweets like cinnamon rolls and the best chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever eaten. Seriously, they’re soft, buttery, with that just right salty-sweet balance.
Loaves of sourdough bread. Photo via Whisked by Krystal on Facebook.
While this cottage baker doesn’t have a traditional brick and mortar, she is often set up at the St. Clair Farmers Market, which happens on the first and third Saturdays at the Elks Lodge in St. Clair. In addition to the loaves of bread, cookies, and other treats she sells at the farmers market, Krystal also does custom orders, like cakes and cupcakes for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations. While I have never tried one of her cakes, photos of her creations look divine 😀
A custom cake made for an anniversary celebration. Photo via Whisked by Krystal on Facebook.
The Socialite suggests you check out Whisked by Krystal on Facebook to learn more!
This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County, including a Memorial Day parade in Union, a free drive-in movie in Washington, a rodeo in Gerald, and the annual car show at White Rose Cafe is happening on Sunday, June 1.
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day Watch the parade on Memorial Day in Union at 10 a.m. then head to the American Legion for service at 11 a.m., with lunch immediately following the service. Get more details.
Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day If you want some barbecue, but don’t want to spend time at the grill, The Tipsy Keg will have a special barbecue menu for Memorial Day. Find pulled pork, brisket, and ribs beginning at 11 a.m. until sold out. There will also be live music performed by Travis Fadler. Find out more on Facebook.
Tuesday, May 27 – Wednesday, May 28 There are two opportunities to take part in dance fitness class Bad Beats. Head to the Washington Community Art Studio for an hour long class that will help you reach your fitness goals while having fun. Reserve your spot!
Wednesday, May 28 The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. Bring your book of choice, order a beverage, and sit and read in companionable silence, followed by a short period dedicated to conversation, or continued reading. Learn more.
Thursday, May 29 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington will show a different drive-in movie every Thursday night throughout the summer for free. The special showings are kicking off with “Forrest Gump.” Learn more.
Friday, May 30 Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Travis Fadler starting at 7 p.m.
Friday, May 30 The Tipsy Keg in downtown Washington is hosting an Open Mic Night beginning at 7 p.m. Limited food menu available, and drink specials throughout the night. Learn more on Facebook.
Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 The Gerald Saddle Club is hosting a rodeo on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7 p.m. each day. Take in bronc riding, barrel racing, bull riding, and more. Get more details.
Sunday, June 1 The White Rose Cafe in Union’s annual car show will feature all rides. Cruz-N-25 will happen from noon to 3 p.m. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Friday, May 30 – Saturday, May 31 Folky Fish Fest is an unforgettable weekend of folk and new-grass music, culture, and community in nearby St. James. Set against the backdrop of Maramec Spring Park’s scenic surroundings, this one-of-a-kind festival brings together folk and new-grass music lovers for a weekend brimming with creativity and connection. Attendees can enjoy an incredible lineup of live performances from talented musicians on multiple stages, ranging from soulful folk tunes to energetic new-grass jams that will have everyone on their feet. A celebration of creativity and community! Learn more and get tickets.
Saturday, May 31 The Lions Club Fairgrounds in Linn will be the site of the 573 Vintage Market. Come shop from over 50 vendors, enjoy live music, and delectable eats from food trucks. Get all the details.
This week there’s a lot going on in and around Franklin County – Sunset on the Riverfront happens this Thursday, there’s a few community markets, opportunities to hear live music, and get crafty, plus some unique events happening just a short drive from Franklin County. As a reminder, I don’t list every event that’s on the calendar here in the weekly roundup post, including events happening in the first half of the week. Be sure to look at the calendar of events to see everything! Note that you can find the calendar at the bottom of the home page if you’re viewing the site on a mobile device.
Thursday, May 22 Head to downtown Washington for the May Sunset on the Riverfront, held at Rennick Riverfront Park on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 – 8 p.m. This family-friendly and free event features local bands, food vendors, beer, wine, and children’s activities.
Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23 Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge is going to be out and about in the community doing coffee “pop-ups” from a mobile coffee trailer. On Thursday, catch Stacked at St. John the Baptist School in Villa Ridge from 7:30 – 9 a.m., and on Friday, find Stacked at The Novel Nook in Washington from noon – 2 p.m. Learn more.
Friday, May 23 The Union Farmers Market happens on the second and fourth Fridays from 4 – 7 p.m. through September. Find local produce, meat, baked goods, handmade items, and food trucks. SPECIAL NOTICE – This week’s market will happen at 10 E. Locust St., across from City Hall. Get more details on Facebook.
Friday, May 23 Blondie’s Breezeway in St. Clair will have live music from Tom Norton starting at 7 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, May 24 Enjoy live music while you take in the beautiful scenery at Triple 3 Vineyard, when SWeet Ruckus plays from 2 – 5 p.m. Learn more at the Facebook event.
Saturday, May 24 The Sullivan Community Market is happening from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing. Shop local vendors and makers, find locally grown produce and baked goods, and listen to live music. More details.
Sunday, May 25 Learn how to make a custom Welcome Mat for your home at this class held at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan, from 3 – 6 p.m. Ticket price includes materials to create the mat. Get tickets.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Saturday, May 24 Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of seven stargazing programs in 2025. The public is invited to meet in front of the visitor center to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will be demonstrating the use of telescopes and identifying stars and planets. Find out more.
Saturday, May 24 Get ready for a relaxing day on the river at Brookdale Farms’ first Eureka Floats event of the season! More information.
Sunday, May 25 Take a short drive to Fenton to see the amazing rides at a free, family-friendly car event where you’ll find everything from exotics, to classic cars, imports, works in progress, and more. Cars & Coffee St. Louis and 1st Phorm are teaming up to bring a monthly car show on the fourth Sunday of each month through October. Find out more.
From a choir performance, to dance fitness classes, a plant swap and more, here’s what’s happening in Franklin County this week!
Tuesday, May 13 The East Central College Choir and Choral Association will present their spring concert at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. This concert will feature songs about nature including music by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Elaine Hagenburg, Ola Gjeilo, and featuring “Make Our Garden Grow” by Leonard Bernstein. Admission is free.
Tuesday, May 13 Bad Beats Dance Class is a fun way to get fit. This hour-long class will feature a blend of music genres and decades such as music from the 90s to present day, with dance moves that encompass Latin, jive, country, hip-hop, and more. Register for the class at https://badbeatsdf.com/
Wednesday, May 14 If you’re unable to attend on Tuesday evening, there’s a second hour-long Bad Beats dance class. Register for the class at https://badbeatsdf.com/
Friday, May 16 The Washington Police Department and Dunkin’ are teaming up to raise funds for Special Olympics with Cop on a Rooftop at Dunkin’ Donuts in Washington on May 16, from 6 a.m. to noon. Learn more.
Friday, May 16 – Sunday, May 18 The 44th annual Art Fair & Winefest is happening in downtown Washington. The weekend will be filled with food, live music, wine tastings, and art. Get more details and tickets for the wine tastings.
Saturday, May 17 Together Treasures in St. Clair is hosting a parking lot sale in honor of its second anniversary of being open for business. Guests can enjoy grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, cold drinks, music, and more. Visit Facebook to learn more.
Saturday, May 17 This free event allows attendees to swap plants, cuttings, pots, and gardening accessories. Attendees do not have to bring anything to come! The swap is at the main pavilion at the city park in Pacific, near the pool. Learn more.
Saturday, May 17 Fugitive Bluff Brewery & Winery in Berger will host a one day Maifest BBQ event that will feature a special barbecue menu as well as live music. Learn more on the business’s Facebook page.
Saturday, May 17 The Mighty Pines return to Paddle Stop Brewery in New Haven. Music starts at 7:30 p.m .and goes until 10 p.m. Tickets are $20. Find out more.
Sunday, May 18 Join CiCi’s Devine Designs for a fun workshop where creativity meets beauty! In this workshop, all of the supplies will be provided. This hands on class will guide you through selecting your materials, teaching technique, and providing support throughout your class. Learn more at the Facebook event page.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Saturday, May 17 The Hermann Maifest Maker’s Market is from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The market will be located on Schiller and Third streets and showcasing a variety of artists, local makers, craftspeople, food, beverages, and more.
Small Town Socialite 