Gurnee closes new farmers market for the season Sunday
Gurnee's East Grand Farmers and Artisans Market will go on for the fourth and final time of its first season Sunday afternoon.
The monthly market kicked off in July to help attract people to the occasionally overlooked business corridor on the village's east side.
Ellen Dean, the village's economic development director, said based on the feedback she's heard, they've succeeded in doing just that.
"We want to know: are the businesses happy with the exposure, are residents positive about what we're doing and does it keep vendors coming back?" Dean said. "On all measures we've been very pleased with the results."
Each month the market has featured about 25 vendors set up in the parking lot in front of the Salvation Army Thrift Store and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, just southeast of the intersection of Grand and Belle Plaine avenues. The group of vendors has included several local businesses including the Gurnee Garden Center, Loved Twice Thrift Boutique, Smokes & Such Gurnee and Big Norm's Hot Dogs.
"It's been great, we absolutely love it," said Norm Cohen of Big Norm's. "I've been in business a long time and never did one of these before, and I can't wait until next year."
Dean said before they determine if there will be a next year, the village will analyze the results of the first year in detail. She said they will also run it by key stakeholders including the village board and the East Grand Corridor Committee, a group of business owners, residents and village staff members who meet regularly to discuss how to promote the area.
Gurnee was without a farmers market in 2017. The Gurnee Park District's farmers market ran from 1999 until 2016 when district officials ended it because of declining attendance.
Dean said the last market of the season will have a special pumpkin painting activity for kids. There will also be new vendors including a jewelry maker, a stand selling hot soup and chili, and a knife sharpener.
The market will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.