Palatine leaders passionate about village's farmers market

Palatine's leaders are pretty passionate when it comes to the village's summer and winter farmers markets.

"I'm kind of biased, but it's the best farmers market in the state of Illinois," Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz said. "We feel very fortunate to have dedicated individuals put forth the time and effort to put on the market. It's a great gathering place. Go down there on Saturday morning through the early afternoon hours, there's tons of people down there. The traffic it draws is outstanding."

Village council members this week approved dates for this year's summer market and the winter version for 2019-20. The summer market will run from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday, May 4 to Oct. 26, in a downtown Metra station parking lot.

Along with fresh produce and food products, the market that started in 2001 features participation by civic groups and local musicians. It has at least 30 vendors.

Councilman Kollin Kozlowski expressed his appreciation for all the hard work that goes into the farmers market.

Looking way ahead to the next winter market, it'll start Nov. 2 and run from 8 a.m. to noon.