The Oak Park farmers market opens Saturday for the season, with the return of repeat vendors and first-time welcome for one who will be selling wild-caught salmon, according to a village news release announcing the market’s opening.
As usual, the market will have more than two dozen vendors and various activities throughout the season, which is set to run in the parking lot of Pilgrim Church on Saturdays – rain or shine – through Oct. 26.
Organizers describe the Oak Park farmers market as a “producers-only marketplace” featuring fresh produce, meats, cheeses, eggs, baked goods, breads, flowers, honey and grains from farms across Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan.
“We will be featuring several pop-up vendors this year, who will be offering unique products periodically throughout the season. We have a full programming lineup as well, with children’s activities and bake sales, along with the famous Church donuts, fresh coffee and live bluegrass music,” farmers market Manager Jack Carmody stated in the release.
The farmers market is a community effort, organizers say, opportunities to not only shop but to also volunteer. The release explains that shifts are available to help with market set up and tear down, and also to be a sustainability ambassador or to help answer questions at the market’s information booth.
“The Market is so important to the community, and provides a welcoming environment where people can access fresh food and create and sustain community connections while seeing neighbors and friends,” Carmody stated.
The release explains that the market’s first Saturdays of the market will feature a dozen sustainability-focused organizations for the annual “Go Green Days” exhibition. This year will feature the Chicago Region Trees Initiative at Morton Arboretum and the OneEarth Film Festival for the first time.
Market-goers are encouraged to bring their own bags and coffee cups, as well as small reusable storage containers with lids that can be used for toting berries and other goodies after buying them.
A majority of vendors accept cash, credit and debit cards, as well as Senior Coupons. Some vendors also accept for payment Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits made available in Illinois on Link cards.
“We welcome everyone,” Carmody stated. “And we are proud to match SNAP/Link Card purchases up to $25 per cardholder.”
Events expected to take place throughout this farmers market season’s run include the annual Corn Roast Aug. 10 and the Pie Bake-Off Sept.7.
