One of the rites of spring is the opening of the farmers markets in the Fox Valley, something that Scott Loehrke was excited about Saturday as he visited Batavia’s market along North River Street in the city’s downtown.
“This is a wonderful market,” Loehrke, of St. Charles, said. “I got some fresh greens and asparagus and some fresh organic bagels and I’m going to work my around. I attended every one of the winter markets and it’s nice to have this outside. It’s kind of a welcome back to summer even though today is a little cooler. I like that things are local, and I’ve gotten to know most of the vendors here.”
Batavia MainStreet opened its farmers market for its 30th year on Saturday. The market in Batavia will be open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays through Oct. 25.
The market features nearly five dozen vendors offering locally-grown produce, farm-raised meat and eggs, fresh baked goods, honey and more.
A press release from the MainStreet group noted that returning market favorites this year “include Flat Tire Farm, Fox Flower Farm, Stamper Cheese, Mighty Greens Farm, Sol Gardens, Crumble, Gandi the Juice Guru, Hufendick Farms, Gindo’s Spice of Life and Van Laar’s Fruit Farm.”
The release added that new additions this include “Rustic Road Farm of Elburn, featuring produce, soups, salads, simple suppers and meats; River Valley Ranch with fresh mushrooms, salsas and pasta sauces; and Pasta Bar, offering a variety of dried pastas.”
Beth Walker, executive director of Batavia MainStreet, said having three decades of the market is “exciting and we’re so proud of how the farmers market has grown in Batavia and how supportive the community is of it.”
“It’s something that I think Batavia has really become known for,” she said.
Walker stressed that the market again requires that vendors grow, harvest or produce at least 70% of the products they sell.
“We’re excited to see more actual growers coming to the market,” she said. “We love our bakers and our other food stuff, but like being able to feature as many local growers as possible.
“In terms of vendors and applications, we are fortunate that we get a lot of interest and want to make sure this is a really good experience not only for the shoppers but the vendors,” Walker said. “We make sure we’re not oversaturating in one specific thing.”
Walker said the goal is “to keep the same quality” year-in and year-out.
“We require that people grow or produce the majority of what they sell and we try to keep this local. Most of these people are within a two-hour drive of Batavia,” she said.
The market, officials said, attracts about 2,500 visitors each week.
Jonathan Van Laar’s breads were selling briskly Saturday as he waited on customers at his booth at the market.
All of his goods were baked the day before, he said.
“We sell a lot of breads and baked goods and our apple cider doughnuts,” he said. “We definitely enjoy this market and our customers are very good to us. We try and supply them with a very good product.”
Pat Burnham of Geneva said she enjoys the items from Van Laar’s farm.
“I’ve learned the hard way if you don’t get here by 9 a.m., you don’t get this bread,’ she said holding a loaf of flax seed bread. “I put another load in the freezer just in case. I have it every morning as toast and feel that it’s very healthy – they grind their own flour.”
Taylor Sainz of Aurora said she was happy to see the outdoor farmers markets reopening for the season.
“I like to support the local people and I also like to buy breads and carrots for my dog,” she said. “I highly recommend the breads and I do love a good pie. I come almost every weekend.”
The weekly event will also be featuring pop-up markets every third Saturday of the month through October, with local artisans showcasing handmade goods and other items, including original art, jewelry, stained glass, crochet items and more, organizers of the Batavia market said.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
