Grayslake Farmers Market returns for 17th year

Summertime brings the usual traditions, including another year of the Grayslake Farmers Market every Wednesday.

What started out as a market of 15 vendors 16 years ago has grown to 52 food vendors alone, with spots that have been filled since February and a long waiting list in place.

Pam Navarre, president of the Grayslake Farmers Market board of directors and one of the market managers, sums up the market accurately enough: "It's a party every week for 17 weeks!"

The market will continue the tradition of not being a specialized market, but having all sorts of cuisine and activities for everyone to enjoy. A new organic producer, fresh pork vendor and new bakers will be among the new food vendors who will join the market this summer.

"Our belief system is we want to meet the needs of our entire community," Navarre said. "We can offer our customers the widest variety of products possible."

This summer, musical entertainment will take place every week, as well as activities for the kids, chef demonstrations and wine tastings.

Scott Koster is the owner of Geneva Lakes Produce and has participated in the market for many years. He describes the unique relationship vendors have with their customers.

"We have fun. It isn't just business. We have ladies that bring things they bake from the products we sell so it's a neat relationship we have with customers," Koster said.

The market in downtown Grayslake brings the streets to a close and the community to turn out.

"You'll never see Grayslake as full as it is on Wednesdays," Nararre said.

The Grayslake Farmers Market opens June 10 and will run until Oct. 7, from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday. Vendors are located on Center and Slusser streets.

Applications are still being taken for artists and children who want to sell art. The market is entirely volunteer-run and organized. Those interested in helping out can inquire at grayslakefarmersmarket.com for more details.