The La Grange Farmers Market is slated to reopen for the season and organizers think it will be bigger and better than ever.
The farmers market will be back in business on May 5 at La Grange Road and Harris Avenue, near the La Grange Village Hall. It will start at 7 a.m. and run until 1 p.m. on Thursdays through Oct. 27.
Nancy Cummings, executive director of the La Grange Business Association, which organizes the market, said it has more than doubled in size over the last couple of years. It had 12 vendors in 2014, but this year there are 25 vendors already committed to the market, and a few more may be added, she said.
The market increased in size after the business association took over running it from the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce.
“They kept it alive for many years,” said Cummings. “But we asked to take it over because we see it as a marketing event for the central business district.”
She said farmers markets can be a boon for local businesses.
“There are studies that show that farmer’s markets create income for surrounding businesses. It becomes an anchor for neighborhood businesses,” she said.
The Farmers Market Coalition, which is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting farmers markets, echoes Cumming’s assertion. The coalition estimates that for every $100 spent at a farmers market, $62 stays in the local economy, and $99 stays in state.
The number of farmers markets has grown dramatically and demand among consumers for fresh, local produce is not abating.
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According to the coalition, there were about 1,755 farmers markets in the United States in 1994. By 2012, the number had more than tripled — to at least 8,100. More than 3 million consumers shop and more than 70,000 farmers sell at these markets annually. The United States Department of Agriculture estimates that these markets generate at least $1.5 billion in consumer spending each year.
Cummings said the La Grange market will draw vendors from Illinois and other nearby states including Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
In addition to selling fresh produce, she said vendors will respond to other consumer trends such as offering some gluten-free products.
“Special dietary needs are really prevalent and our vendors are really picking up on that,” Cummings said.
A new vendor this year will offer all-natural pet foods for consumers who want their pets to eat as healthily as possible. .
Other sellers will make food or provide ready-made food on the spot.
“It’s a grab and go. There is some foods that are made right there that you can take with you,” Cummings said.
While it is hoped that shoppers at the farmers market will patronize other local businesses while they are in the central business district, Cummings said the farmers market is more than just a business generator. It’s a community event.
“It’s a gathering spot for people of all ages,” she said.
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