The 2022 season of the Wilmette French Market ended on Oct. 29 after seven months serving the community.
The Wilmette French Market operated every Saturday (for five hours each week) starting from April 16 through the last Saturday in October.
The final day of the season had a special element with children welcomed at booths for trick or treating. Costumes were encouraged.
The season this year has, “been good,” said Michael Valdez of Lincoln Park, booth manager and vendor of The Barking Spot and also Wilmette French Market manager.
“It’s been decent, it hasn’t really been crazy, we had a couple of rainy days, really windy days, but nothing really insane,” Valdez said. “It’s really good to see the community bounce back since the beginning of COVID.”
Valdez will, “most likely,” serve as market manager next season, Valdez indicated.
Approximately 30 booth holders were in attendance on Saturday.
Having a regular French market is important because, “we like to come out,” Valdez said of shoppers.
“It’s something different to come out and get fresh produce, baked goods from other areas, and everybody just comes together,” he said. “It’s really nice to see the people come out and then they greet each other, either from school, teachers, doctors, other professions that come through and they see their clients … just riding their bikes.”
It is important to shop and buy locally, “to keep the money in the food chain,” Valdez said.
Andrew and Gabby Bunyi of Skokie brought their children Lucas, 1, and Emmy, almost four.
The children wore festive hats as part of a Halloween costume.
“I think our favorite holiday is probably Halloween, then Christmas and Thanksgiving,” Andrew Bunyi said.
The Bunyi family planned to purchase vegetables and meat that morning from the market. Shopping local, to Andrew Bunyi, helps to, “keep money in the community.”
Among vendors selling fresh produce, including ornamental pumpkins, was Karen Froehlich of Froehlich’s Finest Fruits and Vegetables of Berrien Center, Michigan.
“I appreciate everybody coming out for the season and supporting us at the farmer’s market,” Froehlich said. “We enjoy starting things from scratch from seeds, starting up our greenhouses in March and then planting in May and then harvesting it all, and we really enjoy all of our customers, so we’re really appreciative of everybody coming out.”
Eve Williams of Wilmette purchased an autumn bouquet from Froehlich’s stand along with tiny pumpkins to place among the cabbage and flower arrangement.
About the last day of the market, “It’s just a beautiful day and I’m glad to be here,” Williams said.
Rose Frelka of Northfield and Liz Harvey, also of Northfield, were here when the market opened shortly after 8 a.m.
“It’s my favorite thing to do on a Saturday morning,” Frelka said.
Harvey said the season closer is, “bittersweet.”
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“I’m going to miss them,” Harvey said.
Learn more about the local French market operator at www.bensidounusa.com.
Karie Angell Luc is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
