Grayslake Farmers Market offers diverse holiday fare
Santa sightings are common this time of year, but an elf is a bit more unusual.
And talking with Santa's elf at the Grayslake Farmers Market on Saturday was a huge deal for 7-year-old Chris Downes, who is asking for a motorized scooter this Christmas.
"The elf said that building the scooter would be easy for the other elves, and that he would supervise," said Chris, a Cub Scout with Pack 91, Den 7.
The Scouts took part in a flag-raising celebrating the grand opening of the market's winter season at Centennial Park in downtown Grayslake. For their efforts, the boys were first in line to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and the elf, all of whom arrived on a Grayslake fire engine.
"This is the first time we've participated in a flag-raising outside, and it's been fun for the boys, especially being able to visit with Santa," said Debbie Downes, the leader of Den 7, which is made up of second-graders from Grayslake, Round Lake and Hainesville.
Chris was joined by fellow Cub Scouts Will Bauman and Erik Fischer, both 8, and 7-year-olds Kyle Judge and Jason Koepke. Older brothers Brandon Koepke, 14, and A.J. Downes, 13, Boy Scouts from Troop 73, helped guide the younger boys.
Ryan Brown, 5, and Cooper Brown, 20 months, also were bundled up to see Santa.
"We live a block away and walked here to see Santa," said Donna Brown, the boy's mother. "I love the charm of the village. It reminds me of Latrobe, Pa., where I grew up."
Ten vendors selling everything from wine to buffalo meat and baked goods will participate in the winter market, said Pam Navarre. The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday until Dec. 22. and monthly from January through May.
Flori Keltner of Bold Blooms by Flori, based in Genoa City, Wis., had greenery for sale. "We're trying this and so far, we're having fun with this," she said.
Downtown retailer Cynthia's Sweets offered chocolates, caramel apples and toffee for sale, while the Glunz Family Winery offered wine and glogg.
Families munched on hot dogs and chips and sipped hot chocolate.
Lake Forest Hospital nurses also were on hand to give flu shots.