Elgin outdoor market opens for 17th season

With both new and familiar faces, Harvest Market opened Thursday for its 17th season in its usual spot in downtown Elgin.

More than 20 area vendors will offer locally grown fresh vegetables, fruits, breads, meat, cheese, spices, honey, herbs, olive oil, soaps and more through early October. The outdoor market, along Kimball Street across from Gail Borden Public Library, is organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and sponsored by Amita Health.

The Esquiliano family of Hoffman Estates checked out the market for the first time on opening day.

"The kids are finally at an age where they're interested in food," said David Esquiliano, who came with his kids Ryan, 3, and Sara, 5, and their mother Sofia. "Especially Ryan - he's really curious and wants to try everything." Ryan said his favorite part of the market was seeing all the different-colored peppers.

Windy Acres Farm of Geneva has been a staple of the Elgin market for years. "I see a lot of new faces and a lot of regular customers I've known for years," said Kristin Srail, whose family owns the farm. "I really enjoy coming to Elgin."

New vendors include Butter and Flower of Hoffman Estates, Rover's K9 Snacks of St. Charles, and Bena & Pa's Products of Hoffman Estates.

Another fresh fruit and vegetable vendor, Red Flower Organics of Maple Park, is expected to join the market next week, market manager Jamey Bouwmeester said.

Customers who use Link cards can get up to $20 in matching Link tokens per person, per week, thanks to a partnership with BMO Harris Bank and Glen Lerner Injury Attorneys, Bouwmeester said.

Jodie Nord, owner of Fox Flower Farm in Plato Center, said this is her second full season at the market.

Nord offers flowers you can't find unless you buy local, such as poppies and sweet peas, along with varieties that are commonly found in stores. Her flowers are naturally produced, without chemicals or heated green houses, although they do get a healthy dose of air conditioning in summer, she said.

Starting next week, the market will offer a daily kids program from noon to 2 p.m. featuring active fitness fun, music demos, hands-on art projects, scavenger hunts and more. The program is for kids in preschool through 6th grade and is presented by Side Street Studio Arts of Elgin.

For more information, visit elginharvestmarket.com.

Staff photographer Morgan Timms contributed to this report.

What: Harvest Market in downtown Elgin, featuring more than 20 area vendors

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 6

Where: 200 N. Grove Avenue at Kimball Street, across Gail Borden Public Library

Info: <a href="http://www.downtownelgin.com/harvest-market-home/">elginharvestmarket.com</a>