#BOSCommunity: Music at the Old Capitol Farmer’s Market

The Old Capitol Farmer’s Market has taken place in Downtown Springfield since 1999. Over its 23 seasons, the Market has seen immense success as it supports small farms and local growers while providing the public with access to fresh, healthy foods at reasonable prices.

This season BOS was happy to help bring back the Music at the Market concert series to the Old Capitol Farmer’s Market, a Downtown Springfield Inc. program. Throughout September and October local artists, contracted through the Springfield Area Arts Council, performed a variety of music styles on the corner of 4^th and Adams. Placed in the perfect spot for the whole Market to hear, patrons were able to enjoy the ambient tunes as they walked through the stands. Piero Taico, Assistant Director of Downtown Springfield Inc., said the live music “gave patrons an excuse to slow down, relax, and enjoy the atmosphere at the market”.

Our goal as a community bank is to show unwavering support for local events, businesses, and endeavors. Brenda Stroh, Chief Financial Officer at BOS, has built a relationship with Downtown Springfield Inc. over the last several years, and is a member of the board of directors. When approached with the opportunity to support the concert series, Brenda was excited to add a live music experience to the “diverse crowd and friendly atmosphere”. According to Piero, “Music at the Market was a crowd favorite before the pandemic and had been missing from our annual programs since 2019”. They had “several requests” from market goers to “consider bringing back the programming”. With the help from BOS and coordination efforts provided by the Springfield Area Arts Council, the program was revived for the 2022 season.

Sheila Walk, Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Council, emphasized the importance of providing performers for the Music at the Market concert series.

Music keeps people in a good mood, and happy people stay longer and buy more. Farmers’ markets become community gathering spaces, and the arts are part of community. Farmers markets focus on “local,” and that includes performers. Residents are also exposed to talent from their own area while tourists get some exposure to the Springfield music scene.

Sheila Walk, Executive Director, Springfield Area Arts Council

Everyone enjoyed the added element of music to the Saturday Markets, but they also loved being greeted by BOS Dog! Our favorite pup stopped by the Market and concert area each weekend to hang out with the kids and enjoy the music. Piero said “BOS Dog was unilaterally loved by vendors and patrons alike! We witnessed so many fun interactions with kids and adults alike; taking selfies or making fun videos with the BOS mascot. Even the vendors and market assistants got swept up in the excitement of having a fun mascot attending the market”. And BOS Dog agrees! He’s looking forward to bringing more laughs to the Market in the future.