The Clarendon Hills farmers market is set to kick off its seventh season May 18 and run through Oct. 19 with 10 regular vendors, and more, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Village Hall Plaza, 1 N. Prospect Ave.
Started in 2017, the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce-sponsored farmers market spent its first four years set up in the Sloan Triangle at Prospect and Park Avenues. It moved in 2021 to Village Hall Plaza.
Outgoing Village President Len Austin said the farmers market give residents a chance to shop local.
“And with the new village square it’s easy and convenient to shop,” he said. “I see our farmers market as a place for entrepreneurs and small businesses to find their way in business without committing to leases, signage and advertising. The one-on-one interaction between the owner and consumer gives the opportunity to learn about customers’ needs and gauge customer interest.”
The 10 regular vendors setting up this year, selling a variety of goods, is a significant increase from the original two vendors in the first year of the farmers market.
LaVanway Farms out of Berrien Center, Michigan, returns, as it has since the first year. The business moved to the weekly Clarendon Hills market after setting up for several years in Hinsdale’s Gateway Square on York Road.
Fruits, vegetables and plants once again will be on the LaVanway Farms menu, with the selection increasing into summer.
Also returning to Clarendon Hills is Hahn’s Bakery out of Geneva, which has become well-known in Clarendon Hills for its doughnuts, but has several other bakery items for sale. The Hahn Family has operated its bakery business for more than 25 years.
Spartan Gourmet Foods is another returning vendor and will feature olive oil and olives from Greece.
Scheduled to be set up for a third consecutive year are Azteca Catering with guacamole and frozen Mexican food, and Hufendick Farm Market of Plainfield, which features organic chicken and eggs among its offerings.
Joining the roster of participating businesses in 2023 are Los Rodriguez Farm, which has been selling homegrown produce since 2004; Nuts To Go, Maly’s Foods, with its vegetable egg rolls; Mareks Polish Foods and Maggie’s Munchies Dog Treats.
Along with the weekly vendors, four additional businesses will set up as limited engagement vendors. Those are This Miss Bakes, the first and third Thursdays of each month; Ceramics at Nadine, May 18, Aug. 10 and Sept. 21; Love and Earth Soap, May 18, June 1, July 6, Aug. 3 and Sept. 2; and Be SMART, May 25, June 22, July 27, Aug. 24 and Sept. 28.
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Local businesses Barre3 and Just Life Fitness will hold free workouts at Burlington Plaza from 6:45 to 8 a.m., beginning June 1, and the Clarendon Hills Public Library will be hosting Children’s Story Time at 11:30 a.m. June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12.
No pets, scooters, roller-skates or skateboards are allowed at the farmers market. Credit payment is preferred and it is suggested that produce be washed before eating.
“This has definitely become more than a farmers market,” said Derek Berg of the Chamber’s volunteer staff. “We wanted to make it more of an experience and give it a town square type of element, and we’re going to try to add some musical entertainment.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.