Farmers market season has arrived, and throughout suburban downtowns and city neighborhoods, tents are popping up on a weekly basis to bring more than just a few greens for your salads. From Michigan berries and Illinois corn to eggs from free-range hens, naturally raised meats, baked goods, honey, handmade soaps, gourmet dog biscuits, and even wines and beers, area markets are looking for the right mix of food and fun.
The primary reason for farmers markets remains: farmers selling their locally grown — and often organically grown — fruits, vegetables and flowers. Customers may find the opportunity to connect directly with the people growing their food appealing.
“You go into the grocery store and say, ‘What can I do with that?'” Becky Nichols from the Downtown Tinley Market said. Often, a grocery store clerk might not know, but “these guys can tell you how to cook and prepare (what they sell).”
Vendors may have their own email newsletters and take orders ahead of time that can be picked up each week.
Several markets accept LINK/SNAP cards, in an effort to bring their quality offerings to people with lower incomes.
“It (the ability to use LINK cards) has been extremely well received,” said Palos Heights Farmers Market manager Anne Girzadas.
Many markets have grown into a destination, creating a social vibe akin to a street festival, with bands, kids’ activities, specialty items for sale, and adult beverages. Think happy hours with asparagus, or a family day with petting zoos or crafts.
“It’s in our downtown district. We want to have people relax and spend the day,” said Mary Camino, organizer of the Frankfort Country Market, where local businesses offer cooking demonstrations and other programs. “Entertainment adds to the camaraderie.”
Here are 10 markets that have recently opened or will open for the season in the next two weeks:
95th Street Farmers Market
Commuter lot at 95th Street and Longwood Drive, Chicago
Sundays, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 29
Live entertainment runs each week from 10 a.m. to noon. The children’s tent will host visiting animals, face painting, bicycle safety programs and other activities. See the Facebook page for schedule updates. Cheeses, bakeries, crepes and tacos are among the items offered beyond produce.
More Top Picks Gps Boats
Evergreen Park Farmer’s Market
Yukich Field, 89th Street and Kedzie Avenue
Thursdays, May through Oct. 26, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fruits, vegetables, and flowers are the staple of the market. Watch for dates when document shredding is offered on site.
Frankfort Country Market
Kansas and Oak Streets, Frankfort
Sundays, through Oct. 29. Hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through May 28; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 4 through Aug. 27; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 through Oct. 29.
See the website for a live music lineup, which typically begins at 10:30 a.m. Other special events include a cow exhibit and tractor photo op May 28; pony rides June 4, a pizza making class for kids June 25 and a petting zoo July 30.
Homewood Farmers Market
Martin Avenue Square, 18020 Martin Ave.
Saturdays, May 27 through Oct. 14, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesdays, July 12 through Aug. 16, 4 to 8 p.m.
Homesweethomewood.com; facebook.com/villageofhomewood
This year, the market is expanding to add a mid-week evening market at the height of the season. The last Saturday of each month is a “Hunt & Gather Market” of vintage and retro home goods, as well as hand-crafted soaps, candles and jewelry. Homewood Science Center will run various informational programs and activities.
Joliet Junior College
Next to the campus greenhouse, 1215 Houbolt Road
Thursdays, May 25 through Sept. 14, 2 to 6 p.m.
In its fifth year, the steadily growing market draws from the community as well as campus students and faculty. Beyond fruits and vegetables, vendors offer pastries, alpaca garments, artisanal oils and spices; skin care products; and meats. SNAP and LINK funds are accepted. The college’s horticultural program sells at and helps run the market, and culinary students sell prepared foods and run cooking demonstrations.
Lockport Farmers Market ‘Pit Stop’
9th and Hamilton streets
Mondays, June 5 through Aug. 28, 4 to 8 p.m.
Run in conjunction with the city’s Cruisin’ into Lockport vintage car shows, the small market operates as a stop for produce, frozen meats and free range eggs. Several vendors offer prepared foods such as pizzas, pulled pork sandwiches, kettle corn and shaved ice; as well as soft drinks, beer and wine. Live music includes classic rock, oldies, country, modern, southern rock and Motown. See website for complete band schedule.
Oak Lawn Farmers Market
Off Dumke Drive and 52nd Avenue, behind the library
Wednesdays, June 7 through Oct. 11 (not Sept. 6), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
oaklawn-il.gov/residents/oak-lawn-matters/farmers-market-389#ad-image-0
More Top Picks Best Dutch Ovens For Bread Baking
More than 30 vendors come to the market, which began in the mid-1980s. The market also includes salsas, dog foods, arts and crafts, jewelry and clothing, and a hot dog wagon. Special information booths include health services like blood pressure screenings.
Orland Park Market at the Park
Crescent Park, 9750 Crescent Circle
Thursdays, May 25 through Aug. 31, 4 to 8 p.m.
www.farmersmarketonline.com/fm/VillageofOrlandParkFarmersMarket.html
The village has changed its market to a new day and time. Bands will perform under the Crescent Park pergola, and ready-to-eat food and alcoholic beverages will be sold. The market is a traditional market, and items are either grown or made directly by the vendors.
Palos Heights Farmers Market
Municipal parking lot, 12217 S. Harlem Ave.
Wednesdays, May 10 through Oct. 18, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Facebook.com/palosheightsfarmersmarket
New vendors this year include a salmon vendor, maple syrup and fresh cut flowers. Link cards are accepted and gift cards are available. Through corporate sponsorship, the market is able to match up to $15 in LINK funds for customers. This November will debut a winter market, too.
Tinley Park Farmers Market
Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Ave.
Saturdays, June 4 through Oct. 8, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
www.facebook.com/Tinley-Park-Farmers-Market-228903227124328/
The downtown market has grown and changed over its 20 years, and now includes more than 60 vendors. Specialty items include soaps, coffees, bagels and even paella. A gluten-free vendor has been added. Not all produce is locally grown, but the vendors have direct knowledge of where they are sourced. Jewelry, crafts, gift items and an Avon and Tupperware distributor are also in the mix. A kids’ area includes crafts and face painting
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.