While summer doesn’t officially start until June 20, it sure feels like the new season is here with the opening of the Buffalo Grove Farmers Market coming up.
On June 18, the market will re-open for its eighth year, serving the best seasonal fresh and organic foods. As a frequent visitor to the market, I think it has grown and improved every year.
Nearly all of the vendors from last summer are returning, and there will be a few new ones, as well. Rain or shine, the market will be open each Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Oct. 8 at 951 McHenry Road.
This traditional farmers market features a variety of vendors selling fruits, veggies, meats, poultry, breads, artisanal cheeses, dairy products, flowers, coffee, tea, honey, salsas, dips, pastries and doughnuts, which are made on site.
In addition to the food, the market also features a knife sharpener, other entertainment and booths featuring local nonprofits. Dogs are not allowed, with the exception of service dogs that will be admitted with the proper certification.
The market is run by community volunteers.
I’d like to recognize and thank those who have helped to make the market possible, including current committee members Therese Baker, Paulette Greenberg, Michael Katz, Larry King, Ed Muldoon, Penny Novy, Lea Pinsower, Chuck Posniak, Fern Russell and Peggy Starczowski.
People interested in volunteering can call 847-459-2530.
Right now is the prime season for fresh strawberries, which I plan to purchase at the farmer’s market. I can’t get enough of eating them. But because they’re so perishable, I like to use them in recipes right away.
Below is one of my favorite recipes to use strawberries for a salad dressing, courtesy of thegraciouspantry.com.
Strawberry Vinaigrette
– A half-pound of fresh strawberries
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
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– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– One-fourth teaspoon of salt
– One-fourth teaspoon of pepper
– Blend ingredients until smooth and adjust honey to taste. The recipe produces one and one-third cups of dressing.
In other neighborhood news, Buffalo Grove’s Environmental Action Team is sponsoring the sixth annual Buffalo Grove Green Fair from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 25 next to the Buffalo Grove Farmers Market at Mike Rylko Community Park.
This free event for the entire family will help educate people on the ways to be more environmentally friendly within our community. Collection bins will be set up for those who would like to donate items that can be recycled and repurposed.
Items being collected include bicycles, bike parts, small electronics, eyeglasses, hearing aids, keys, clothing, shoes, crayons, books, household batteries, CFL lightbulbs, CDs, DVDs, game discs, knives, scissors, blades, vases, wire coat hangers and small working appliances.
The Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team also is looking for volunteers. Interested? Contact Jeff Weiss at [email protected] or by calling 847-224-0965.
Aileen Simons is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press. Reach her at [email protected].