The City of High Hill held its Sunrise Farmers Market on the morning of June 27 at High Hill Park, giving residents a chance to help local businesses.

The five-hour market had 13 vendors, including Sacred Groundz Coffee, the Jonesburg-High Hill Fire Protection District and Lucky B Farms.

Even City Clerk Stephanie Devlin held a business of her own at the farmers market. She was selling High Hill tie dye T-shirts.

Devlin came up with the idea of having a farmers market two months ago. She got up at 4 a.m. on June 27 to set up the event.

“We had a lot of help though,” Devlin said. “There were a lot of people who came out and volunteered.”

The Jonesburg-High Hill Fire Protection District held a fundraiser in which patrons can purchase breakfast burritos, pulled pork sandwiches and brats to help raise money for scholarships, community programs, equipment, training and other department needs.

“I love it,” Devlin said. “I’m glad they’re here. I’m excited for them. They’re a big part of our community and they need to be involved in anything.”

The fire department is raising money for two scholarships that are given to high school students in Montgomery and Warren counties.

“We’ve been pretty gracious with other donations from companies and private people just donating towards the fire department and that money usually goes into our outreach fund,” said Mike Veach, a member of the fire department. “This fund is not technically tied to the board. This one is tied to the members of the fire department, which is kind of unique.”

Lucky B Farms is owned by Julie and Nate Birt, who live on the intersection of Highway E and JJ in High Hill. The business sells grassfed tallow skin care items, luffa soaps, household cleaners, beeswax wraps and bags and homegrown produce.

“My dad and grandpa sell at a market in Wentzville, so I usually sell with them,” Julie Birt said. “But when I saw this market, we decided to come here. So we’re really excited to be closer to home.”

The business was founded five years ago. Julie said she and husband started selling at markets this year.

“Before that, I sold turkeys, eggs and a few other things just enough to finance the farm and pay for a new fence,” Julie said. “I recently bought a pig feeder for our pigs. I tried to find a way to not put all of our money into the farm.”

David Beyes, another High Hill resident, was selling many kinds of knives. He said he started making knives over a year ago and learned about them by taking classes at Nelson – a small town in Saline County – and Terre Haute, Ind.

“I just love knives,” he said. “I like handmade knives. It’s kind of a natural thing.”