Farmers market opens soon

The 2008 St. Charles Farmers Market opens June 6 at 7 a.m.

The Market will run every Friday through the end of October. It is located at 4th Avenue and Main Street, along Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown St. Charles.

The St. Charles Farmers Market offers fresh from Kane County produce, fruit, cheese, eggs, pork, bacon, sausage, meat and poultry products, fruit and flowers from Michigan Orchards as well as fresh flowers, garden plants, honey, produce and foodstuffs from Illinois growers.

The Market also offers a tempting array of gourmet food products, fresh baked bread, garden and landscaping products, jewelry, arts and crafts.

Two new local businesses have joined the 2008 Market.

They are Diamond Fresh Seafood of St. Charles, and Main Street Fireplace & BBQ.

2008 marks the fifth season the St. Charles Farmers Market is sponsored by Baker Memorial United Methodist Church. The Market is a vital part of the Church's community out reach and also helps generate funds and increased awareness of the Church's mission program.

"Shoppers at the 2008 St. Charles Farmers Market will see more farm products, eggs, fresh produce, fruit and locally raised organic produce, as well as fresh fish and seafood," commented Market Manager Robert Murphy. "We are thrilled to see the growing participation by local and regional farmers and food vendors in our market and very proud of the large number of farm fresh family owned farmers selling their products at this market.

"I encourage the community to visit the market on Fridays and to make it a weekly trip."

St. Charles Farmers Market shoppers can also purchase breakfast and lunch items, coffee and beverages at the market. Gourmet food items are available from a number of vendors and at the Baker Church Food Tent.

This year, the Baker's Market Kitchen will create fresh from the market dishes and gourmet food items.

Weekly, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, salads, breakfast starters and other gourmet dishes will be available to take home.

There will also be weekly features and "how to use this..." which highlight St. Charles Farmers Market produce and foodstuffs.

The St. Charles Farmers Market is open weekly on Fridays from June 6 to the end of October from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Market is an outdoor market, open rain or shine. For information call (630) 584-6680, or visit www.bakermemorialchurch.org.