Summertime is prime time for outdoor markets, and Wilmette residents don’t have to go far to find one. Vendors at the French Market that sets up shop in the downtown Metra parking lot every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. until autumn, provide everything from fresh produce and artisanal olive oil to refreshments, jewelry, fresh flowers, and even entertainment.
The market, run by Bensidoun USA, Inc., has operated every summer since 2003, according to Lucas Sivertsen, Wilmette’s business development planner. Wilmette’s market was one of the first five that the company operated in the Midwest, he said.
“It’s a very popular market. We see it as a benefit to the residents, and it certainly can’t hurt (downtown businesses) on Saturday mornings,” he said.
Julie Yusim, executive director of the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, said the market succeeded a more basic open-air event initially run by the Chamber.
“From the perspective of our downtown Wilmette merchants, they love it,” Yusim said.
This year’s French Market runs until Nov. 4, according to the Wilmette village website.
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