Working with Parks and Rec and Public Works staff, volunteers spread out among the parks with rakes, shovels, wheel barrows, and a willingness to get the work done. Photo by Tim Larson
Candian Geese fly over the pond at January Wabash Park on New Year’s Day 2021. Photo by Tim Larson Pandemic precautions remained in place for public gatherings, including the Winter Farmer’s Market, which was moved outdoors. Photo by Tim Larson Even with February’s snow, the Winter Market carried on outside in St. Stephen’s parking lot. Photo by Tim Larson The pandemic had given rise to the drive-by birthday parade in the previous year. But on March 6, 2021, Ferguson gathered for a very special birthday parade. Photo by Tim Larson Paydenn Mason celebrated her 6th birthday while still in treatment for cancer. While she could not have a traditional birthday party, Ferguson Police, Fire, and residents lined up in their cars for the biggest birthday parade. Photo by Tim Larson The 12th Annual Ferguson Twilight Run returned with three different races (10 mile, 5k, and 10k) and a one mile fun run. Photo by Tim Larson All ages and abilities were able to enjoy the Twilight Run’s races. The One Mile Fun Run took place at McCluer South-Berkeley High School’s track. Photo by Tim Larson Part of the Twilight Run used the Ted Jones Trail. Photo by Tim Larson The Twilight Run races also wound through Ferguson’s streets, where residents cheered on the runners as they passed. Photo by Tim Larson A special Juneteenth program was held at Earthdance Farms, with programs including youth presentations. Photo by Tim Larson Juneteenth at Earthdance was an opportunity to gather and talk. Photo by Tim Larson The Juneteenth celebration at Earthdance supported Black Entrepreneurship and highlighted the 12oh7 Herban Eatery, which provided a freshly made plant-based menu for the special day. Photo by Tim Larson A wave of volunteerism started in June with Mulch Madness. Four of Ferguson’s parks were targeted for mulch spreading in playground areas that were worn and muddied. Photo by Tim Larson Working with Parks and Rec and Public Works staff, volunteers spread out among the parks with rakes, shovels, wheel barrows, and a willingness to get the work done. Photo by Tim Larson Within a few short hours, community volunteers had completed playground areas of Dade, Spring Valley, Nesbit-Newton, and Lang-Royce parks. Photo by Tim Larson From May through October, the Ferguson Farmers’ Market was a popular Saturday morning destination. Photo by Tim Larson This year was the 20th year of the Farmers’ Market. Photo by Tim Larson Farmers, craft vendors, and freshly made foods could all be found at Plaza 501 at the Farmers’ Market. Photo by Tim Larson Children’s activities were a regular part of the Farmers’ Market. Photo by Tim Larson New Ferguson City Manager Eric Osterberg (far left) joined the judges panel for a pie baking contest in October. Photo by Tim Larson After the success of improving the city parks, volunteers led by Mike Palmer turned their attention to the boarded-up Whistle Stop. Photo by Tim Larson The depot was given a facelift by painting the plywood boards to appear as windows. Photo by Tim Larson The work gave our historic depot a much better appearance. Photo by Tim Larson Summertime also brought block parties, including this one in August in Old Ferguson East. Photo by Tim Larson Shakespeare in the Park came to Ferguson, giving a special performance of Othello at January-Wabash Park. Photo by Tim Larson Summer storms left some damage in August. Photo by Tim Larson Concerts at Plaza 501 had a welcome return to our city. Photo by Tim Larson Dedicated and skilled volunteers took on yet another project by repairing the Cabooses. Photo by Tim Larson Rotted siding was removed and repairs made to both cabooses. Photo by Tim Larson Volunteers worked to finish both cabooses with new siding, while Public Works staff later finished the work by painting the new siding. Photo by Tim Larson Brian Owens and Rissi Palmer performed at a fundraiser for All Among Us, the Woman’s Care Center. Photo by Tim Larson Earthdance debuted the Pay What You Can Farmstand. Photo by Tim Larson The Taste in Ferguson celebrated its 7th year with a drive through pick up of boxed samplers and a VIP, socially distanced concert for its annual fundraiser. Photo by Tim Larson Home prices went up in this year’s seller’s market. Photo by Tim Larson In November, the Winter Farmers’ Market returned to the indoors. Photo by Tim Larson Months of practice showed we could still smile big despite wearing face masks. Photo by Tim Larson City workers set up the tree just ahead of Thanksgiving. Photo by Public Works. Photo by Tim Larson The Ferguson Special Business District brought cookies and hot cocoa to the tree lighting. Photo by Tim Larson The city’s tree was lighted with residents, and even Santa Claus, all in attendance. Photo by Tim Larson Blessed Theresa of Calcutta Church brought back the popular Christmas Home Tour this year. Photo by Tim Larson Ferguson homes decorated for the holidays. Photo by Tim Larson Santa and Sirens, started just last year, returned again with a small parade through each ward of the city. Photo by Tim Larson. The last days of the year brought foggy mornings and the anticipation of a winter storm coming on New Year’s Day, 2022. Photo by Tim Larson.
While the pandemic continued to influence our lives, the Ferguson community came together regularly throughout the year in 2021. (All photos courtesy of Tim Larson.)