The Evanston farmers market opened for the season Saturday in the city’s downtown area Saturday with 54 vendors selling fruit, veggies and more.
The market is scheduled to run every Saturday through Nov. 5 at University Place and Oak Avenue, behind the Hilton Garden Inn. The market has special shopping hours for senior citizens and shoppers with disabilities.
This season features garden plants, hanging baskets, fruit, vegetables, meat, flowers, cheese, baked goods and more.
“I’m excited, 2022 is going to be a great year,” said Myra Gorman, farmers market manager since 2012. “We will be bringing back the Home Grown Artist area and chef demos from a two year hiatus.”
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The market’s run has been modified over the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, there is no single, monitored entrance to pace shopper traffic, but the open-square format launched during the pandemic remains with other vendors on the periphery.
“It’s really a safe place to be,” Gorman said. “And not only are you going to stay healthy by eating all of our fruits and vegetables and value added items, but you’re going to be healthy because you’re going to be outside.”
Nichols Farm & Orchard of Marengo offered its seasonal produce, including 3-feet tall tomato plants of several varieties for those wanting to jumpstart their gardens.
Todd Nichols, of Nichols Farm & Orchard, said it is important to buy local.
“Every dollar you spend with us goes right in our local economy,” Nichols said. “If you’re buying produce at the grocery store, 50% goes to California or Mexico and 20% in shipping.
Liz Drury, of Winnetka, attended the farmers market opening day
“It’s really well organized,” she said about the Evanston farmers market. “It’s got a great vibe.”
The market accepts supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits, issued in Illinois on Link cards. Customers using SNAP benefits will be able to receive a match of up to $25 per Saturday, according to farmers market information.
Parents and guardians can get their children involved in the market’s free Spud Club program. Children age 2 to 10 can participate in a weekly activity and obtain a punch card at the Spud Club tent. They are able to get the card punched each week. Once the card is fully punched, the child will be able to select from a market-themed basket, according to market information.
Additionally, farmers market patrons will soon be able to purchase original artwork at the market. The Homegrown Artists showcase for Evanston artists and their work will be featured for 16 weeks starting in mid-June, officials explained.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer.