The season of summer brings many things: ample sunlight, conversations outdoors with neighbors, quiet time spent reading outside and recreational activities with family. For many of us, one special highlight of summer is eating farm-fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmer’s markets offer a very special experience of bringing people together in a fun, friendly environment.
Thankfully, our area has a wide variety of different options when it comes to Farmer’s Markets. Each market has its own personality. The markets vary based on their type, the array of offerings, number of vendors, location and hours. While not a comprehensive list, here are a few area farmer’s markets that you may want to check out.
Tuesday and Saturday – The Woodstock Farmer’s Market fills the Historic Woodstock Square each week on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is a producer market which offers you the assurance that everything you purchase was grown or made by the vendor from whom you are purchasing it. Live music is featured during each market from the Gazebo located in the middle of the square. The many, varied vendors offer such items as organic produce, fresh mushrooms, fresh fruit from Michigan, homemade pierogis, cheese, fudge and a wide variety of fresh produce. More information is available at www.woodstockfarmersmarket.org/
Thursday – The Bartlett Farmer’s Market is held from 4-7 p.m. at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Main Street in Bartlett. Baked goods and fresh produce are available each week.
Friday – Elgin Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Downtown Neighborhood Association. It is held on Friday evenings from 3-7 p.m. In addition to fresh picked produce, products such as Amish baked goods and homemade ice cream are available for sale. It is located at South Riverside Drive in Elgin. More information is available at www.downtownelgin.com/farmersmarket
Saturday – The Huntley Farmers Market is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is located on the Town Square. It is a locally grown market. The market features raw honey, fresh flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, Kettle Corn, and locally produced meats. More information is available through www.facebook.com/huntleyfarmersmarket
Saturday – Hampshire’s Outdoor Market is sponsored by the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. This market is held on the third Saturday each month. It is located on Washington Avenue near State Street and is open from 9am to 1pm. The market features homemade arts and crafts as well as fun, family activities. More information is available through the Chamber’s website. www.hampshirechamber.org.
Sunday – The Farmer’s Market at the Dole is held in Crystal Lake. It was voted #1 Farmer’s Market in Illinois in 2021 and 2022. It is located at 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake and held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The variety of offerings include homemade dog food, artisan jewelry, frozen foods such as pot pies and quiches, homemade granola and of course lots of fresh produce. More information is available at www.farmersmarketatthedole.org/
Sunday – The Geneva French Market is held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This market is unique in that it is a European style market that offers items that are not normally found at other markets. It features cut flowers, homemade soaps, a wide variety of meats and cheeses, as well as fresh seafood. It is located at 359 Crescent Place Geneva. More information is available through this website. www.bensidounusa.com/geneva/
In addition to the area farmer’s markets, there are two excellent sources of fresh produce and vegetables available nearby. They are Tom’s Farm Market on Algonquin Road in Huntley and Goebbert’s Farm in Pingree Grove.
I wish you all the best this summer as you enjoy the fruits of our area farmers’ labors.
“Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the legacy of generations of farmers who put food on our tables, preserved our landscape, and inspired us with a powerful work ethic,” says James H. Douglas
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc.,a landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
