Forsyth Farmers Market and community gardens welcome spring and 2026 season

Exciting things are happening at the Forsyth Senior Friendship Center, the Forsyth Local Harvest Farmers and Artisans Market, and the new community gardens, all located at 11048 E. St. Hwy. 76 in Forsyth. 

Soon to be anchoring it all, will be the new Senior Friendship Center building. Activities continue to be held at the 13879 U.S. Hwy. 160 location, including delicious weekday luncheons, but construction began in January and is progressing nicely on the new 11,000 square foot facility. 

Senior Friendship Building is taking shape in Forsyth (Photo submitted)

With a dining room capacity of 250 and building capacity of 500, there will be more meeting space and more rooms available to house crafts, games and activities, plus designated health spaces for expanded screening services and exercise programs. The facility is designated as a “grant site,” with more flexibility of purpose not tied to federal regulations, and leadership and volunteers hope it will be a blessing to the entire community as a venue for events and meetings at a reasonable price, while providing some revenue to help offset the increased costs inherent with a larger facility. Luncheons will continue to be open to the public at a $5 donation for seniors 60-plus and just $8 for accompanying family members, and plans for the near future also include walking paths and natural areas, also available to the public. Friendship Center President Glenda Hunt also said the leadership team is open to ideas for classes, workshops, etc., the community would like to see offered.

While much-appreciated grant funding has contributed significantly toward the building project, tax credits are still available to help with remaining costs, along with the “Buy A Brick” program, providing bricks to line the walking path or a plaque featuring the name of a loved one or a veteran. Reach out through the Facebook page, call 417-677-8022, or email fsfcpresident@gmail.com for details. 

Possible classes to be offered may include cooking, canning, preserving and gardening workshops to expand on the Community Gardens. Fifty-one garden beds, 6 ft. x 3 ft. in two different depths, are currently rented, with the possibility of 15 more pending grant funding through the Missouri University Extension. At just $25 rental fee for the season, the Gardens are a wonderful opportunity for fresh air, exercise, fellowship and exchanging ideas—and of course, growing some tasty produce. 

Speaking of produce, the Forsyth Farmers & Artisans Market is heading into its 10th season, with more than 50 vendors expected. Additions this year include a vendor who builds decorative and raised planter boxes, as well as more vendors offering locally-grown vegetables. There’s also local meat and chicken, local honey, fresh cheese, canned goods, sourdough and other baked goods, and more, plus craft items. Breakfast items are available at the market café operated by Senior Friendship Center Board members from 8 to 11 a.m., and lunch items from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 

Saturday market hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., starting Saturday, May 2, and continuing through the second Saturday in December. The market also meets on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 p.m., with a variety of vendors including some offering a quick, tasty meal. 

Also new for 2026, “Harvest & Horsepower” welcomes owners to bring their classic car, truck, or bike and enjoy coffee and fellowship along with the farmers market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month. It’s not a competition, just an opportunity for enthusiasts to gather for fun and conversation around their classic rides. 

That’s a lot going on, so plan a Saturday morning visit on May 2; and meanwhile, check out all the details on the Facebook page or the website, www.seniorfriendshipcenter.com.