Four farmers markets around Lake County

Summertime brings the usual traditions, including another year of farmers markets. Here are four to choose from in Lake County:

AntiochFollowing the success of the inaugural farmers market in 2009, Antioch will hosts its second annual market, starting this week. Again this year there will be many things offered at the market, including fresh produce, breads, flowers, plants and other little trinkets. Organizers also have added a couple of new items, including bison meat, fresh eggs and poultry. The market will run every Thursday afternoon, from June 17 through Sept. 30, from 3 to 7 p.m. The market will again be located in the east municipal parking lot on Toft Avenue. For more information, call Shawn Roby at (847) 838-4032 or sroby@antioch.il.gov.GrayslakeWhat started out as a market of 15 vendors 17 years ago has grown to more than 50 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!"This summer, musical entertainment will take place every week, as well as activities for the kids, chef demonstrations and wine tastings.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," Navarre said.The Grayslake Farmers Market runs through Oct. 6 from 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays at Center and Slusser streets. For more information, visit grayslakefarmersmarket.com.GurneeCelebrating 10 years, the Gurnee Park District farmers market has grown to more than 35 unique vendors and includes past favorites like Farmer Fred, Wildflour Bakery, Sharpening by Dave, Just 4 Paws, Millcreek Nursery, Twin Garden Farms featuring Mirai Sweet Corn and new vendors including The Cheese People and Mama Wade's Gourmet Cheesecakes. The market runs Fridays through Oct. 1, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Esper Peterson Park, Grand Avenue and Kilbourne Road. New this year, the market will host a number of special events each week including free cooking classes, educational workshops, children's crafts, live entertainment and more. A complete list of these events can be found at gurneeparkdistrict.com."The market is a thriving cultural marketplace where homespun, organic or one-of-a-kind foods, produce and crafts are at the heart of our lively market," said Kristi Chirempes, community relations manager. "Our location at Petersen Park is perfect for meandering from booth to booth and enjoying a few hours of fresh air, energetic vendors and beautifully landscaped surroundings. Plus, we offer entertainment through out the season. You should make the farmers market part of your weekly schedule. There is always something new and different to discover!" For more information, call (847) 623-7788 or visit gurneeparkdistict.com.LibertyvilleCelebrating 30 years serving the community, the market has more vendors than ever this year, so you'll be able to find more fresh food and flowers, and also have more fun shopping for them. The market can provide you with the opportunity to get to know your food and the producer who grows it or makes it. The market, sponsored by MainStreet Libertyville, also features special events and cooking demonstrations. Patrons also have easy access to the merchants in downtown Libertyville.The market runs Thursdays, from June 24 through Oct. 21, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located on West Church Street between Milwaukee (Route 21) and Brainerd avenues, in the middle of downtown Libertyville, right next to Cook Park and Cook Memorial Library. For more information, visit libertyvillefarmersmarket.org.True13752000Organic chef Melissa Ritter of Grayslake gives a cooking lesson at the Libertyville farmers market. Here she is cooking vanilla-braised turnips.Gilbert R. Boucher II | Staff PhotographerTrue