Renaissance MAY 2024

MAY 2024 - The Soulard Renaissance - 3 The Soulard Restoration Group and Soulard Business Association are gearing up for an inaugural event that promises to be a highlight of springtime in St. Louis: the Soulard Rummage Sale. Taking place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 18, the Soulard Rummage Sale isn’t just any ordinary garage sale. Encompassing alleys, garages, yards, sidewalks and gangways, it will create a sprawling, neighborhood-wide market- place where hidden gems await discovery around every corner. Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage clothing or one-of- a-kind home goods, or simply looking to connect with neighbors, this event has something for everyone. As you explore our historic alleyways and side streets, let the event map be your guide. In addition to location and sale Soulard Rummage Sale on May 18: Where shopping, socializing and sustainability meet By Abby Goodson Together, we can help minimize the environmental impact of consumerism. Mark your calendars, gather your reusable bags, and join us for a day of shopping, socializing, and sustainabil- ity at the Soulard Rummage Sale. Visit soulard.org/sale or scan the QR code for more information. Please note: In case of inclement weather, the event will take place on Sunday, May 19, at the same time, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. details for all 20-plus sellers, you will find specials from local businesses, including a buy-one-get-one-to-go Bloody Mary special from Pieces Board Game Bar and Restaurant (1535 S. 9th St.), and a $4 Hurricane special at Hammerstone’s (2028 S. 9th St.). Meanwhile, Riverbend Kitchen and More (1915 S. 12th St.), is handing out free tote bags for the shop- ping event, so we recommend beginning your day there. But it’s not just about buying and sell- ing — it’s also about reducing waste and giving new life to pre-loved items. By participating in the Soulard Rummage Sale, both buyers and sellers contribute to amore sustainable way of living, where goods are reused and repurposed rather than ending up in landfills. It’s a win- win situation, enabling sellers to clear out space in their homes and buyers to find unique items at affordable prices. Laura Leister Laura Leister, owner of Protagonist Café and Pieces: The Board Game Bar & Restaurant in Soulard, was recently honored by the US Small Business As- sociation as its Small Business Advocate of Eastern Missouri. Leister and her fel- low honorees will receive their awards at a luncheon at Twisted Tree Steakhouse Restaurant on May 2, concurrent with the opening of an Exhibit Gala showcas- ing their accomplishments. “This is the strongest group of Small Business Week winners we’ve had in many years,” saidMaureen E. Brinkley of the SBA’s St. Louis District Office. “The competition was very close, especially for Small Business Person of the Year. These candidates are very deserving of the honors. I can’t wait to personally congratulate each of them for their busi- ness prowess and their contributions to their communities.” The other honorees for Eastern Missouri include Minority- Owned Small Business winner Tracey (Tre’) Arelious Bryant, Woman-Owned Small Business winner Jessica Beeson, andVeteran-Owned Small Business win- ner Gavin Douglas. The Small Business Person of the Year is Charlie M. Downs, owner of Sugarfire Smokehouse. Leister’s award is a recognition of her work as director of the Soulard Business Association. Of particular interest to the SBA was the Soulard Passport Program, an initiative spearhead by Leister to promote neighborhood businesses in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Soulard Passport Programhas produced an annual passport with promotional offers and discounts only available to purchasers of the $35 booklet. Having the passport encourages both new and long-term Soulard residents to patron- ize neighborhood businesses, whether they have long been loyal customers or are just looking for a reason to try out someplace new. “Honestly, I was so surprised to be nominated and receive this award,” Leis- ter said. “Soulard has my heart, and I am so proud to live, work and play here. My role as a business owner and my volun- teerism in the neighborhood need no recognition because I simply love giving back to the place that has supported me all these years.” Laura Leister receives SBA honor By Allyson Whipple