Aurora's midweek farmers markets opening

The Midweek Markets of Aurora's Farmers Market return this season with the fresh local fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads and more.

The West Side Market opens at noon Wednesday, July 8, at West Aurora Shopping Plaza, 1901 W. Galena Blvd., and will run noon to 5 p.m. every Wednesday through Sept. 30. It features local produce including just-picked sweet corn and juicy melons.

New this season is Jones Packing with a selection of beef, chicken and pork products processed locally in Harvard. Other new vendors include Bettina's Coffee and Tea, Kelly's Dollar Baked Goods and Sweet Passion Soaps.

With this year's West Side Market opening at noon, an hour earlier than last year, early bird patrons can enjoy a lunchtime treat from ready-made food vendors like Wurst Kitchen, Mona Lisa Wood-Fired Pizza, Georgie's Hot Dogs and Dick's Mini Donuts as they browse the market.

Across town, the East Side Farmers Market opens Thursday, July 9, and runs 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 27 in the parking lot of Our Lady of Mercy Church, 701 S. Eola Road.

The East Side Market features many new vendors offering high quality goods and produce for health- and eco-conscious families. Enjoy local Black Angus beef from Riskedal Farm; local and organic vegetables, herbs and plants from Six Generations and Kenny G's Organic Veggies; weekly CSA delivery from Belly Fire Farms; plus local honey, vegan handmade soaps, cloth diapers and more.

Plus, keep the kids entertained with live music and face painting at the East Side Market for a relaxing shopping experience unlike any grocery store.

The West and East Side Farmers Markets compliment Aurora's signature Downtown Market, the oldest in Illinois. It is staged from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 17 at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway Ave. (Route 25). There will be no market July 4.

This year, all three of Aurora's farmers markets offer even more value with the Double Value LINK Program featuring up to $25 free to spend on LINK-eligible items. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by the Aurora's Farmers Market tent at each market to learn more about redeeming their SNAP benefits for use at the market and opportunities to double their grocery dollars every week.

For information on Aurora's farmers markets, call (630) 256-4636 or go to aurora-il.org and click on Special Events.