Farmers Market Find: Jazzy Spice Rub, Boy Scout Popcorn, Oktoberfest

Here's a sample of what you'll find at the on Fridays and Saturdays this fall:

Jazz up your dishes with a little rub

Looking to put a little zing in your meat, sauce or side dish? Visit Gumbeau’s Dry Rubs at the Royal Oak Farmers Market any Saturday and you’ll be jazzing up your dishes in no time.

Jerry Beaupied has been serving up samples at the market for a few years.  What started as a passionate hobby has come to be a full time job. “After being laid off a few years ago, it was just natural for me to leap in to this full time,” Beaupied said.

Beaupied’s award-winning Gumbeau Dry Rub is made up of onion, garlic, cayenne pepper, cumin and a handful of other herbs and spices.  The secret recipe is a blend of Creole and Cajun tastes. “Our rub has been sampled and loved by former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm and comedian Wanda Sykes, has been featured on Food Network and won the Chile Pepper Magazine’s Fiery Food Challenge,” Beaupied said.

Stop at the market to take the taste challenge yourself.

Boy Scout Popcorn is annual favorite

Every year thousands of young men participate in scouting through the Boy Scouts of America. The Royal Oak Farmers Market honors and supports those young men by providing a space for local troops to sell the famous Trails End Popcorn that so many have looked forward to every fall.

Justin Kosmoski, 14, of Clawson High School is a 1st Class Rank Boy Scout and looking forward to one day becoming an Eagle Scout.  “I work towards becoming an Eagle Scout every day and hope to make it before I turn 18,” Kosmowski said. An Eagle Scout is the highest rank available in scouting.

Kosmowski, a member of Troop 5092 of Madison Heights, wore his official corn hat at the market recently while selling popcorn treats to raise money for his troop. 

“There’s a wide variety to choose from,” Kosmoski said. "From regular popcorn to cheesy popcorn, we have it all."

Each Saturday a different local troop will be selling popcorn at the market. 

Market welcomes new master, celebrates 86th anniversary

Welcome – who has actually been with the market as event planner already for four years. This is her first official week as Market Master.

“I’m excited to be heading up the market and have a great team in place to support a smooth transition,” Mazur said. Watch for exciting changes, as well as the old faces you’ve come to love at the market, she said.

Celebrating its 86th year, the market will be hosting its fourth annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 14. The festival is $5 includes dancing, a silent auction and much more. 

The Royal Oak Farmers Market is open from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. every Friday and Saturday.