Tag: Warren County Missouri

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri Sept. 7 – Sept. 20, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

Fall festival season has arrived! Over the next two weeks, there are numerous music festivals, food and drink festivals, harvest and seasonal festivals, as well as rodeos, car shows, markets, live music events, and much more. Take a look at all the events happening in the area, and check out the new event format. Everything is now grouped by geographic location and in chronological order in each section, hopefully making it easier to scan each event roundup post to find events in whatever area you’re looking for!

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Franklin & Gasconade Counties (plus neighboring communities)

All of Sept.
Missouri Main Street is a month-long exhibit at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch celebrating 100 years of Route 66 in the Show Me State.
Learn more.

Tuesday, Sept. 8
Each month, the Washington Public Library hosts Crafting & Creativity, a free event where attendees make a craft from 6-7 p.m.
Find out more.

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Saturday, Sept. 26
The Franklin County Humane Society is hosting an online auction and 50/50 raffle called Wine, Whiskers, and Wags. You can browse 300+ auction items online and enter to win the 50/50 jackpot.
Get more info on Facebook.

Thursday, Sept. 10
The Washington Farmers Market is the site of the monthly Music at the Market event. Head to the market space and hear live music from The Graybeards. The concert is free, but food is available for purchase from Mangia Bella. Additionally, wine is available for purchase from Noboleis Vineyards, with Re/Max Results, Janie Schriewer & Associates bartending for the evening.
Get more details.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Join Dark Ozarks Podcast Producers Alex Martin & Lisa Livingston Martin at the Scenic Regional Library St. Clair Branch for a discussion of the noir mysteries, and legends of Missouri’s Route 66, including discussion of Lisa’s book “Missouri’s Wicked Route 66: Gangsters & Outlaws on the Mother Road.”
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 11
Sunset on the Rails free concert series continues in Pacific with a live musical performance by Kaleidoscope from 6-9 p.m.
Find out more.

Friday, Sept. 11
The Washington Public Library is hosting author Larry Wood, author of “Gangster Queen Bonnie Parker and Other Murderous Women of Missouri.” Bonnie Parker has been romanticized in print and on screen since the early 1930s, when she and gangster boyfriend Clyde Barrow robbed banks and left bodies in their wake. She’s undoubtedly the most infamous murderous woman in Missouri history—although it’s uncertain whether she killed anyone with her own hand—but she’s in a crowded field of Show Me State female killers. 
Get more details.

Friday, Sept. 11 & Saturday, Sept. 12
The 10th Annual WingFest is happening at the Union Fair Grounds. This free family event will feature some of the best wing vendors, and other food and drinks, plus live music, a special 9/11 Ceremony with the American Legion Honor Guard and first responders before the festivities kickoff. There will also be bounce houses for kids and a fireworks display at the end of the festival on Saturday night.
Find the live music lineup.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Frisco Farmhouse’s only September market is happening the Saturday after Labor Day from 8 a.m. – 2 pm.. Shop from a variety of vendors, including fresh meat, produce, baked goods, handmade items, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Head to Villa Ridge for the Boles Fire Protection District Health & Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Station #3. This free family event is packed with activities designed to educate, entertain, and help keep our community safe. Whether you’re meeting your local firefighters, learning valuable safety skills, or just looking for a fun family outing, there’s something for everyone.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 7th Annual September Bourbon Bash kicks off at 10 a.m. at Copper Mule Distillery in Hermann. Enjoy live bluegrass music, food from Don’s Pit Boss BBQ, awesome cocktails, and barrel tastings.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Head to Crooked Creek Farm in Pacific for Animalpalooza, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Kids can meet miniature goats, a miniature cow, and enjoy outdoor fun like yard games.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Copper June’s in Rosebud hosting Boots & Bourbon Bash 2.0 from 1-6 p.m. Enjoy live music, whiskey tastings, food, contests, and more.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 20th Annual Washington Jaycees’ Brewfest is happening from 4-8 p.m. at the Washington Farmers Market. Tickets are $30 in advance, and $35 the day of the event. The 20th Annual Brewfest ticket includes access to 20+ breweries and homebrewers + distilleries, along with a commemorative pint glass, and a brewfest T-shirt. There will also be live music and food available for purchase from Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant.
Purchase tickets and find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
St. Gerald Catholic Church in Gerald is hosting a Fall Festival Church Picnic from 2-10 p.m. There will be food, drinks, games, activities, live music, and more.
Get more details.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a weekly market for the remainder of the season. Shop from local vendors offering items like soaps, baked goods, crafts, and more. The market is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
East Central College continues its monthly stargazing event, happening at the lower parking lot at the college’s Union campus. Bring your own stargazing equipment and chairs and enjoy checking out the details of the night sky.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The Franklin County Humane Society is having a vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Union Fire Station #1.
Prices and vaccine details listed on the event flyer.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Spiral of Life Homestead & Wellness will have yoga classes in Gerald City Park from 9-10 a.m. Whether you are a beginner, or have done yoga before, all levels are welcome. Cost is $15 per person and attendees should bring a yoga mat and water, and wear something comfy. Registration is required.
Learn how to register.

Sunday, Sept. 13
The Amazing Race WashMo is returning to The Alley. The excitement begins at 1 p.m. and attendees will race to local businesses to complete challenges and receive clues. Space is limited to 25 teams of two, and cost per team to participate is $40.
Get registered.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Saint Francis Borgia Parish’s annual fall festival is happening from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and will feature live music, children’s games, bingo, and roast beef and fried chicken dinners.
Find out more.

Wednesday, Sept. 16 & Thursday, Sept. 17
Head to the Red Cedar Inn & Tourism in Pacific for a two-day exhibit of the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18
The final Lawn Chair Movie Night of the season is happening from 8-10 p.m. at the large pavilion at Union City Park. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and catch the family-friendly movie “Zootopia 2.”
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18
The monthly Tailgate Sale is back at The Roundup Event Space in St. Clair from 5-8 p.m. Shop from a variety of area vendors including the local 4H Club, a plant vendor, baked goods, and lots more.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18 – Sunday, Sept. 20
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is going off-road for a special weekend of the Fall Festival featuring Jeeps, live entertainment, local vendors, and plenty of fall fun for the whole family like a corn maze, wagon rides, live music, face painting, and more.
Get tickets and learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
The Pacific Iron Horse Rodeo is happening for two days at Liberty Field in Pacific.
Check Facebook more info to be released soon.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The St. Andrews Place Subdivision in Union is having its Fall Yard Sale, beginning at 7 a.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 7th Annual Barely Covered Music Festival is happening at White Mule Winery in Rosebud. Hear live music from numerous bands beginning at 12 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
After helping spread the word about hundreds of local events, I’m hosting one of my own! Join me at Sugar & Spice Book Cafe in Sullivan for Coffee with The Socialite, and together we will support a small local business and build community by meeting new people! The event is from 12-1:30 p.m. stay for the whole event, or visit for a little while.
RSVP on Facebook.

Saturday, Sept. 19
For nearly a decade Oxfest Music Festival has helped raise money for charities that support children, and it’s back this year at the Washington Fair Grounds. This all day annual music festival features three stages – a main stage playing rock, as well as blues and country stages. The first band takes the stage at noon and the music will continue until 10 p.m. There will also be food trucks and drinks available for purchase at the festival. Tickets are $33.85 a person, available for purchase online.
Get more info and buy tickets.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a weekly market for the remainder of the season. Shop from local vendors offering items like soaps, baked goods, crafts, and more. The market is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Find out more.

Sunday, Sept. 20
Bring your fiancé, your parents, and your wedding party to the annual Fall Open House at Lost Hill Lake Events in St. Clair. The event is happening from 12 – 2 p.m. and will allow attendees a chance to view the venue, including our forest ceremony, and reception site set-up, as well as an opportunity to meet with Lost Hill Lake Events Wedding Coordinators, plus preferred vendors, and in-house vendors.
The event is free, but RSVP to attend.

Sunday, Sept. 20
Kaleidoscope Consignment in Pacific is hosting a Planty People Sale. Shop plants, cuttings, propagations, and more.
Get more info.

Advertisement – Thinking about adding on to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.

Crawford & Dent Counties

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 13
The Steelville Harvest Festival 2026 is happening and will include a parade on Saturday, and much more.
Get all the details.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Healthy Dent County is proud to celebrate with a Girls’ Night Out event held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Salem Community Center at the Armory in Salem. Attendees can look forward to a fun-filled experience featuring unique vendors, prize giveaways, free samples, door prizes, delicious food tastings, and plenty of other exciting surprises.
Bring your girlfriends for an evening of pampering, shopping and eating. There is a $5.00 admission fee and admission are limited to all women and girls 12 years of age and older.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 17th Annual St. Louis Garlic Festival is happening at Gateway Garlic Farms in Bourbon. The event is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature food, vendors, live music, and more.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Heartland Farms in Bourbon is hosting its 1st Annual Fall Kickoff and Vendor Show. The event will have a variety of vendors, live music, the debut of the farm’s Route 66/America’s 250 Anniversary corn maze and 20+ play activities. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Attendees may buy a ticket just to shop and listen to the music for $5 or spend $10 and have access to the play area and corn maze as well.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg is hosting a series of night sky viewing events with astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot. These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Although a telescope will be provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own.
Find times and more info.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Get a different view of Onondaga Cave State Park in Leasburg with a photography tour held from 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tickets are required to attend the tour.
Learn more.

Friday, Sept. 18 & Saturday, Sept. 19
Blue Springs Ranch in Bourbon is hosting a two-day rodeo event that will include broncing, bull riding, barrel racing, roping, and steer wrestling.
Get more info.

Friday, Sept. 18
The Bourbon Fall Festival will include a parade at 6 p.m., along with vendors, live music, food and drink, plus more.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Half-Crocked Antiques in Bourbon is hosting its Fall Outdoor Flea Market from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 9th Annual Bourbon Car Show is happening from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be classic cars, food, craft vendors, and more.
Get more details.

Phelps County

Friday, Sept. 11
In Another Light black light art show is happening from 6-8 p.m. at Space on Pine in Rolla.
Learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
The 2026 Fall Nature Festival is happening at the Ozark Rivers Audubon Trails and Nature Center in Rolla from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a free event for the community that includes, guided hikes, 20+ exhibitors, hummingbird banding demonstrations, food trucks, and native plant vendors. Parking is available at the commuter lot located at exit 185 from I-44. Shuttle buses will run continuously from parking to the festival.
Find out more.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Downtown Rolla is having a car cruise-in right along Old Route 66 from 5-8 p.m.. Find bites from food trucks or visit downtown restaurants.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The Rolla Saddle Club is hosting a fun show beginning at 2 p.m.
Learn more on Facebook.

Saturday, Sept. 19
Maramec Springs Park in St. James is hosting Music on the Maramec live music event with The Waydown Wanderers from 6-8 p.m. Cost to attend is $25 per car or free with a season pass to the park.
Get more details.

Warren County (and neighboring communities)

Thursday, Sept. 10
Tour the Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance free of charge. All ages are welcome and admission is first-come, first-served. Tours are open-house format, allowing guests to explore all levels of the house and speak with docents about the Boone family and the history of the Femme Osage Valley.
Get more info.

Saturday, Sept. 12
Centennial Farms in Augusta is having Fall Farm Days from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. This first vendor event of the season will feature items like snacks, lotions, waxes, clothing, and more.
Learn more.

Sunday, Sept. 13
Weldon Spring Conservation Area will be the place to stretch your legs and push yourself with the MammothMarch, a 20 mile hike along a great mixture of diverse trails, such as Katy Trail and Lewis & Clark Trail featuring superb overlooks of the Missouri River. The single-circuit hiking loop starts and finishes at the beautiful Defiance Ridge Vineyard in Defiance and begins at 7:15 a.m.
Get tickets and learn more.

Saturday, Sept. 19
The 2026 Warrenton Fall Festival will feature a full day of live music, food, vendors, and fun family-friendly fall activities.
Find out more.


Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!

Posted in Advertorial Feature

Want to Turn an Unfinished Basement into Your Dream Living Space? Here’s Why Early Fall is the Time to Start the Project

Posted on by Amanda

If you’re a home owner and you’ve ever looked at that unfinished basement filled with clutter and wished it could instead be your dream living space, now is the time to do something about it. Although we can use them as an area to keep holiday decor and those forgotten toys kids have outgrown, a basement can also be the perfect place for an entertainment area, your dream master suite, dwelling for aging relatives, a home office, or just about any other space that can add to the functionality of your home.  

Architectural draftsman and designer Brandon Bretz, owner of Freelance Services, a residential architectural drafting and design business, advises that late summer to early fall is the ideal time to start a basement addition project. Doing the work during the early fall and into the winter puts home owners in a sweet spot, since the outdoor projects that many contractors are tied up with throughout the spring and summer are wrapping up, and may even place some contractors in a slight lull.

Floor plan drawing of a basement with a great room, bathroom, and home gym area.
An example of a basement addition project drawn by Brandon Bretz. The drawings for this project depict the existing basement with the planned renovations of a great room, bathroom, and home gym area. Document credit: Brandon Bretz_Freelance Services

“I like to help my customers get the most out of their projects, not just from a design perspective, but also when it comes to timing,” Brandon shares. 

Besides the possibility of finding contractors with a lighter workload during this season, there’s another reason to get started on that basement project now. That’s because the basement project would be fully completed before the weather breaks in the spring, a time when many contractors can be slammed with everything from roofing projects to spring storm repairs and other jobs that require good weather to complete. 

“Having a finished design drawing before reaching out to a contractor makes good sense from a lot of different perspectives. It helps contractors get a better scope of the work, and can help them provide a more accurate bid as well as a more precise project timeline,” Brandon explains.

Another thing that can slow down projects before they’re even started is that people will often go straight to a contractor with their ideas about the project, but some contractors want to see drawings that outline design intent before they’ll bid a job and start working on the project. 

Working with Brandon on a design means clients will have drawings that show design intent to a perspective contractor. These drawings can help contractors provide a more accurate bid and project timeline. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.

“By reaching out to a design professional like myself first, I can work with the client to find out what they want to do, I can get that design down on paper, and then the client has the project drawings in hand to take to a contractor to get accurate project bids.”   

Basement finishes or other indoor renovations can often take longer in the summer and a shorter amount of time to complete in the winter and early spring when contractors’ workloads can be slower. And if your project requires incorporating access from the existing house into the project design, such as the case if a client wishes to finish their walkout basement and also add a patio or overhang feature, it’s important to remember that can also add to the project’s completion timeline. 

Brandon describes possible project scenarios and why timelines can be crucial to meeting a customer’s needs. Video credit: Produced by Alex Don Media Group

If you’re thinking about finishing your basement, designing an addition, or building your dream home, view Brandon’s portfolio of work on his website. Want to learn even more about Brandon, his professional background, and why he started Freelance Services? You can find out more about him in this advertorial that was published last month.

You can also connect with Brandon on Facebook or call/text him at 314-799-9272.  

Posted in Events

What’s Happening in East Central Missouri June 15 – June 28, 2026

Posted on by Amanda

Summer is in full swing and over the next two weeks there’s more community fairs and carnivals happening, including the Meramec Community Fair in Sullivan, a carnival in Salem, and the Warren County Fair in Warrenton. There’s also Father’s Day celebrations, and some America 250 and 4th of July celebrations begin toward the end of this month.

Additional events happening between June 15 and June 28 include community markets, free concerts like Sunset on the Riverfront in Washington, and free family activities at area libraries, as well as a free lawn chair movie night, and another Wagon Days event at Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union.

As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.

Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.

Various dates and times
Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is having a few special movie events throughout the summer. There are kid films series that are $2 a viewing, as well as a flashback cinema series, which offer a second chance to catch a classic flick on the big screen.
Find out more on Facebook.

Various dates and times
Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available.
Get details on Facebook.

Tuesday, June 16
Learn about the power of pollinators at the Washington Public Library’s Pollinators at the Library talk presented by John Gildehaus at 6 p.m.
Learn more.

Tuesday, June 16
Erik Ferguson, Senior Historic Site Specialist with Mastodon State Historic Site, will give an all-ages presentation on archaeology at the Pacific Branch of Scenic Regional Library at 6 p.m.
Pre-registration required.

Friday, June 19
Landon’s Lemonade Stand will be at the St. Clair Saddle Club Barrel Races beginning at 6 p.m.
Learn more.

Friday, June 19
Head to Union for Lawn Chair Movie night, with a showing of “Snow White.” The film will begin at dusk.
Get more info.

Friday, June 19
Glittering Grapevine Line Dance is hosting a Mom Prom at McKelvey Vineyards from 8-11 p.m. The evening is for moms and sons age 5 and up to enjoy music, dance, and have fun! Diana with Glittering Grapevine will be your DJ for the evening playing requests and teaching line dancing moves. The $5 fee to participate includes the DJ, punch, and snacks for the boys with adult beverages available for purchase for the moms.
Learn more and register.

Friday, June 19
The Gerald Saddle Club is hosting a School’s Out for Summer Speed Show beginning at 7 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 20
Spend a day with rescued ranch animals at Long meadow Rescue Ranch’s Wagon Days. See Twister paint, meet the world-famous Barn Buddies and adoptable animals, then take a wagon ride through the 165-acre facility in Union. Food and beverages are available for sale, but you are also welcome to pack a picnic lunch.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 20
The St. Clair Farmers Market happens on the first and third Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. – noon at the St. Clair Elks Lodge parking lot.
Get more info.

Advertisement – Thinking about adding a new outdoor kitchen, deck, or other upgrade to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.

Tuesday, June 23
Head to the Washington Public Library for a tea party unlike any other! The T-Rex Tea Party will feature dino snacks, games, and crafting for the whole family. The fun begins at 5 p.m.
Get more info.

Tuesday, June 23 – Saturday, June 27
The Meramec Community Fair in Sullivan will have musical performances by country stars like Sara Evans and Clay Walker, carnival rides, fair food, games, and more.
Find the fair schedule of events.

Wednesday, June 24
The Franklin County, Mo. chapter of Silent Book Club will again meet at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Bring your own book and join in this unique book club where attendees read silently for the first hour, with the remaining time dedicated to chatting with others in attendance or more independent reading.
More details.

Thursday, June 25
It’s time for Sunset on the Riverfront, a free monthly concert happening in Washington that also features food and drink vendors, along with kids activities.
Learn more.

Friday, June 26 & Saturday, June 27
Pyro’s Firework Nightmare promises to be Sullivan’s biggest 4th of July celebration. This two-day event will feature access to the haunted house, food, drink, and craft vendors, along with firework displays each evening.
Find out more.

Friday, June 26
Macadoodles Fine Wine, Beer, & Spirits in Union is having a Passport to 250 Community Celebration from 5-9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music, bites from area food trucks, games and activities for the whole family, and more.
Get more details.

Friday, June 26
Market Off Main is happening at Hansen Park in Union. Beginning at 4 p.m. the market will feature a variety of area vendors, along with live music, and food and drinks available for purchase.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 27
Downtown Pacific’s 24th Annual Car Show & Block Party will feature over 500 cars, as well as entertainment for the whole family. The event runs from early morning until night.
Find out more.

Saturday, June 27
The second and fourth Saturday of each month is the farmers market at Frisco Farmhouse in Catawissa. Shop from local crafters, vendors, and find fresh produce, meat, honey, and other items.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 27
The City of St. Clair is having its annual Freedom Fest event at Orchard Park. The fun begins at 4 p.m. and includes food, vendors, face painting, live music, a fireworks display, and more.
Get more info.

Saturday, June 27
The Sullivan Community Market is on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month during market season. The event happens from 9 a .m. – 1 p.m. at Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan.
Find out more.

Sunday, June 28
Head to Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair for the glamping and event venue’s Open Lake Day. For just $10 per person, you may use the lake and other amenities onsite from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more.

Road Trippin’

Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.

Multiple dates from June – August
Brookdale Farms in Eureka is having Camp Brookdale, a summer camp event for kids. This screen-free day camp event will give kids an outdoor, adventure themed experience all summer long.
Learn more.

Thursday, June 18 – Saturday, June 20
The town of Salem is having a summer carnival at the Dent County Commons.
Follow the Salem Chamber for more info.

Sunday, June 21
Father’s Day at the White Mule, with fried chicken and roast beef served from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Enjoy live music from Bucket List between 1-4 p.m. on the pavilion.
All dads get 1 free drink. Reservations are required.
Find out more.

Wednesday, June 24 – Saturday, June 27
The Warren County Fair in Warrenton will feature live stock shows, fair rides, live music and other entertainment, as well as a rodeo and firework display.
Find out more.

Friday, June 26
The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is having country singer and The Voice runner up Ruby Leigh in concert. The event begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are required to attend.
Find out more.

Friday, June 26
St. James Winery in St. James is continuing its seasonal Movie Night in the Gardens event, with an outdoor showing of the family film “James and the Giant Peach.” Sip on beverages from St. James Winery, including soft drink selections, and there will be a special menu item – James’ Peach Pizza. The fun begins at 8:30 p.m.
Learn more.

Saturday, June 27
Enjoy the Festival of Hope at the Clara Eitmann Messmer Amphitheatre in Hermann from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be multiple live music performances, food trucks, and craft vendors, and the event will benefit Touch of Hope nonprofit.
Find out more.

Sunday, June 28
Head to Memorial Park in Owensville to celebrate the 4th of July holiday and America’s 250th Anniversary early. The festivities will include a picnic starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. There will be food and beverages for purchase with cash only at ticket booth, along with fun events for kids and adults of all ages starting at 5 p.m.
Learn more.

Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!

Posted in News and Features

Meet the Women Providing Meals for the Community Through the Nonprofit Feeding on Faith

Posted on by Amanda

A couple of years ago, friends Mary Stevens and Judy Mattox felt called to make meals for people in need. At first they organized a small group that served meals at their shared church, and while that was a successful effort, they both felt led to do more, but in order to do that they’d need to take a couple leaps of faith, like registering as a nonprofit, finding a kitchen where they could prep and cook meals, and raise funds.

Feeding on Faith has been official since November of 2024, after everything was finalized – from becoming a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, to meeting health department requirements, to finding a kitchen and place to serve meals, all of which took about six months. 

Things really started to pick up for the organization once they were able to begin organizing community meals served at the Marylou Community Building in Truesdale, located in Warren County, which started this past summer and is still going strong.

Mary, left, and Judy, right, are the duo behind the nonprofit Feeding on Faith. Photo credit: Feeding on Faith via Facebook.

The meals they’ve served have changed along with the seasons, over the summer the ladies served items like “walking tacos” for lunch at the concession pavilion located outside of the Marylou Community Building. During that time, they fed a lot of kids since school wasn’t in session, as well as some single adults, retirees, and families.

Mary and Judy say they still see “a pretty good mix of people” at each community meal, with many return attendees.

“We see a lot of families and we hear the same thing each time: ‘you don’t know how much this helps,'” Mary shares.

And since the women both feel like creating this nonprofit was a calling from God, it’s important that the help they provide often looks like the kind of comforting meal you’d get if you were invited to a friend’s house for dinner.

Casserole meals are popular dishes, but the ladies have also made hearty meals like scalloped potatoes and ham, soups and chili, as well as sandwiches and chips, and chili dogs. Although both ladies love to cook for others, Judy is the baker of the two, so every meal also includes a dessert of some sort.

Although they’re a fairly new organization, they’ve made a significant impact for those in need. So far, they’ve served over 900 meals to the community, helping to feed people at the community meal events as well as providing meals to nearby shelters.

“We really wanted to serve 2,000 meals last year, but in the beginning we had some delays with renting a kitchen,” Mary explains.

In addition to feeding people at the every other Monday community meals, some of the shelters and other groups they’ve provided meals for include a domestic abuse shelter and they’ve helped make lasagnas for the Lincoln County chapter of the nation-wide meal train program called Lasagna Love.

Having access to the space inside Marylou Community Building once every other week means they have a place to keep their supplies, a requirement per the health department, but also it means they’re able to preserve any leftovers and purchase more perishable ingredients in advance.

“We were able to buy a freezer, so now we can buy things when they’re on sale,” Judy says.

The ladies make all the meals that they serve to the community. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

As a nonprofit they rely on donations and volunteers, and whenever they’re able to make ingredients and funds stretch, the more people they’re able to help. Mary shares that since they’re such a new organization, a lot of volunteers at Feeding on Faith have been friends and family, although they also welcomed a Girl Scout Troop to help serve a community meal last year.

And there’s also been support from individuals and organizations in the community, including Cuivre River Electric, Long Row Lavender Farm, Woodbridge Corp., Sam’s Club in Wentzville, and many more. Without those donations – of both funds and supplies – the nonprofit wouldn’t have been able to make such a profound impact.

Planning for the future

Both Judy and Mary see Feeding on Faith expanding to help even more people.

“Judy wants a food truck,” Judy says with a laugh.

The women hope to grow the nonprofit by purchasing a food truck or food trailer so they can be mobile to meet, and feed, people where they’re at.

“That’s this year’s partial goal,” Mary adds.

Mary also envisions having a bigger space that’s all their own, so they can have premade, frozen meals ready to help people whenever they need it.

“We’re very grateful to be able to use this space, but unfortunately we don’t have access to it all the time,” Mary shares of the Marylou Community Building. “I’d love to make up individual meals in advance and put them in the freezer at our own place so that if someone reaches out and needs a meal for that day, we can easily help.”

Mary and Judy work together to make multiple lasagnas in an assembly style at the Marylou Community Building in Truesdale. In January 2026, the Feeding on Faith community meal was lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and dessert. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The next community meal served at the Marylou Community Building in Truesdale is on Monday, Feb. 2, from 5-6:30 p.m. If you’d like to learn more about Feeding on Faith, you can follow the organization on Facebook, or visit its website.

Note: This article is part of a series highlighting volunteer groups, individuals who give back to area causes, and people who are building community, such as the piece I wrote on The Homemade Exchange. If you know someone making a positive impact in or around the Franklin County area, email me at smalltownsocialitemo@gmail.com and I may feature them on the website.