Elgin's Harvest Market gets off to cloudy start

With renewed momentum from the city's sustainability movement, Elgin's Harvest Market kicked off the season even though the sun refused to cooperate.

The market is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 8 and offers an assortment of locally grown produce, breads, arts, meats and even some specialty items like gourmet dog treats.

Debbie Kasprzak, president of the St. Charles-based Pawprint Barkery, said she has participated in Elgin's market for three years.

"Elgin has a lot of people who walk around with their dogs," Kasprzak said. "I bake everything in my kitchen with fresh ingredients so they know where it's coming from. A lot of people visit the market. It is one of my better markets (out of six)."

Jennifer Benson, program director at the Downtown Neighbors Association, said regular customers have endearing nicknames for vendors. For example, the owner of the Lombard-based Olives 4 You is known as the "olive guy."

"People are shopping locally. They don't want to drive farther," Benson added.

Bill Morse, an Elgin antique dealer, picked up some olives Thursday.

"It's something different. It's something outdoors," he said. "There's a lot of good stuff here. Rather than driving around to different places, it's nice to have it all here. I hope it gets bigger."

The market is sponsored by the DNA with partners Activate Elgin, Elgin Climate Change Organization, and Elgin Community Network. It's held in the city hall parking lot, 150 Dexter Court.

More vendors are expected as the season progresses. For details, visit DOWNTOWNELGIN.ORG or call (847) 488-1456.