A little rain and overcast skies couldn’t stop the opening of a La Grange tradition in its 30th year — the La Grange Farmers Market.
Several hundred people spent the morning hours browsing and buying on Harris Avenue between La Grange Road and 6th Avenue, just north of the Village Hall and adjacent to the Village parking structure.
“I think it’s a great place to connect,” Stephanie Posey, local attorney and president of the sponsoring La Grange Business Association (LGBA), said after the 10 a.m. ribbon cutting. “We need so much more connection and face-to-face interaction. What’s magical about the Farmers Market is that it creates a place in the middle of your downtown where you will not be able to walk through without seeing someone that you know.”
Posey noted La Grange’s unique character relating to commerce.
“I think it’s a testament to the strength of community that La Grange has,” she said. “It’s a place where business owners can connect with people in the neighborhood, and it’s a place where small businesses begin.”
Originally launched in 1994 by the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce, LGBA took it over in 2015, organizing and expanding it since then.
This year’s sponsors are the LGBA, Kathy Dierkes at State Farm Insurance, Dig Right In Landscaping, and prasino, a farm-to-table restaurant at 93 S. La Grange Road.
The market will operate every Thursday — in all types of weather — from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and run from May 9 through October 24.
It will feature 41 local and regional small-batch vendors, coming from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan.
Up from the 30 vendors on most Thursdays last year were several newcomers, noted LGBA executive director, Cathy Domanico.
“This year the La Grange Farmer’s Market brings back favorite local vendors and welcomes 13 new vendors to the Market,” she said. “There are beautifully prepared foods, farm fresh fruits and vegetables. fresh meats, cheese and eggs, beautiful plants and flowers, delicious breads, baked treats and more!”
One of those new vendors is A Taste of Michigan’s Cherries, which specializes in jams, preserves, and syrups, many of them sugar-free.
“We’ve been in business since 2008,” June Duran, owner of the firm said. “We do several farmer’s markets in the Chicago area, we produce our products up north in the Traverse City area and we sell in Illinois. We’re very excited to be here. What a nice community.”
Another newcomer to Farmers Market is Dig Right In Landscaping, a Westchester-based company specializing in sustainable landscaping, including healthy growth of fresh vegetables.
“We wanted to be in the Farmers Market because it’s one of the best,” owner Jeff Swano said. “We promote organic vegetable growing and organic lawn care. We encourage a healthy lifestyle and healthy living.”
Swano is not only a newcomer to the market but also serves as a sponsor.
“This is such a great community and a great farmer’s market,” he said.
Amy Moravec, a La Grange resident for eight years, attended the opening with her daughter.
“We always look forward to Aracely’s tamales, she said of the offerings at Aracely’s Bakery.
For further information on the La Grange Farmers Market, visit the LGBA webpage at lgba.com.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
