John Vest, owner of Redemption BBQ (Photo by Jay Paul)
There is something about barbecue that makes ministers out of mere men. A slab of meat sizzling over burning coals conjures imagery that is spiritual in nature, igniting memories of the enduring contributions of pitmasters past. John Vest, owner of
Redemption BBQ, was a minister first and a pitmaster second â both roles born from a love of fellowship.
With a civil engineer for a father, Vest moved often as a kid, usually every 18 to 24 months until middle school, when his family settled in Florida. In college, Vest originally studied astrophysics, hoping to seek a career in space exploration. But through work with his church youth group, he says he felt called to the ministry. Switching to divinity school, Vest worked at churches in Chicago upon graduation, eventually earning a doctorate in ministry.
The Saturday South of the James Farmers Marketâs temporary move to North Side is now permanent, organizers announced this week, but South Richmonders will still be able to get their market fix in Forest Hill come spring.
This spring, when it opens for its 14th year, the popular farmers market that started in Forest Hill Park will have two locations on two days, and operate under two names: South of the James Farmers Market, which will take place Thursday evenings in its original location in Forest Hill; and a Saturday morning market in its pandemic location, Richmondâs Bryan Park in North Side, with a name that hasnât yet been announced.
In 2021, the South of the James s Farmers Market will return to Forest Hill - on Thursday nights. Saturdays will be for Byran Park richmond.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from richmond.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
South of the James Farmers Market announces 2021 changes
By: WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff
Posted at 3:04 PM, Dec 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-22 15:04:53-05
RICHMOND, Va. The South of the James Farmers Market will move back across the river in 2021.
The Saturday morning tradition will soon take place on Thursdays at Forest Hill Park starting in May. The Saturday market landscape is saturated, market organizers posted on social media. We, as a small business, have been challenged financially and emotionally throughout this time. It has been heartbreaking to witness friends who started with us, close their doors forever. This effort must be sustainable for GrowRVA and our vendors; neighborhood and public support is crucial.