Des Plaines alderman says farmers market will return this summer

Des Plaines Alderman Patti Haugeberg is confident that a farmers market will return to the city's downtown this summer after being on hiatus for several years.

Haugeberg, the 1st Ward alderman who represents the downtown area, said this week that she's working with a potential operator who has nine years of experience running farmers markets and other events. She believes the operator would be a "perfect fit" for Des Plaines.

The city this week also sent out a request for qualifications document to those who may be interested in operating the market, which is proposed to take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays from June 19 through Oct. 16. It would be held on Ellinwood Street, between Lee and Pearson streets.

The deadline to submit a response to the city is Feb. 23.

Haugeberg said she anticipates bringing an agreement to the city council March 16, paving the way for the market to begin this summer.

She had been in discussions with Jack Groat, who operates the Elk Grove Village Farmers Market and expressed interest in a Des Plaines market, but it appears they were unable to come to an agreement. Groat had argued that a draft license and operation agreement gave the city too much control.

"We're looking at other avenues," Haugeberg said in reference to Groat.

Haugeberg said the other farmers market manager she's talking with has relationships with out-of-state farmers, many of whom are already booked for farmers markets on Saturdays and Sundays. The "method to my madness," she says, has been to propose a Friday night market, in hopes those farmers will come to the Chicago area a day early.

"I want good vendors. The only way you're going to get them is to have it on Friday nights," Haugeberg said.

Des Plaines' former farmers market was run by volunteers in the downtown area, before it moved to the Frisbie Senior Center, but hasn't been in operation for at least seven years, Haugeberg said.