Mississippi Market, a natural food co-op in St. Paul, is holding a Holiday Sampler event Dec. 3 to introduce visitors to some local makers and new customers to their consumer-owned grocery store.

Mississippi Market is a certified organic retailer whose goals include a sustainable local economy and global environment. Besides selling goods, they offer a number of classes and other events monthly on the topics of health overall, cooking, nutrition, and sustainable living.

The event will be hosted at the 740 7th Street location from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with live music, samples and activities.

According to Katie Marty, Education and Events Specialist, grocer Joe Walls, who works at the Selby Dale store, will be playing acoustic guitar music live.

While listening to music, visitors will be able to taste small samples throughout the store of local chocolatier B.T. McElrath, Bare Honey, Veriditas Essential Oils, Thousand Hills Cattle Co., Deer Creek Cheese and others to be added.

There will also be some holiday-themed activities: sugar cookie decorating and card making, both free and open to anyone of any age.

“We will have crayons and markers for kids to make cards and nicer pens and décor items for others,” Marty said.

While the event runs, there will also be prizes available, including inflatable kayaks with a paddle and carrying case as the main advertisement.

Overall, the hope for the event is to provide an enjoyable way to look at some local products.

“Feel good about supporting local farmers and your local food economy while tasting delicious, free samples of chocolate, honey, meat, cheese and more,” Marty said. “Live music and fun activities are an added bonus!”

Similar tasting events will occur again on Dec. 10 and 17 at their Selby Avenue and West 7th Street locations respectively.