Batavia farmers market marks 30 years in downtown
The Saturday morning Batavia farmers market returns May 17 for its 30th outdoor season.
The market runs from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 25 on North River Street. With nearly 60 vendors each week, the market offers an expansive selection of locally grown produce, farm-raised meats and eggs, fresh baked goods, honey, and other products. Vendors are required to grow, harvest, or produce at least 75% of the products they sell.
Returning businesses include Flat Tire Farm (fruit grown along the Lake Michigan shores), Fox Flower Farm, Stamper Cheese, Mighty Greens Farm, Sol Gardens, Crumble, Gandi the Juice Guru, Hufendick Farms, Gindo’s Spice of Life, and Van Laar’s Fruit Farm.
New vendors this year include Rustic Road Farm of Elburn, featuring produce, soups, salads, simple suppers, and meats; River Valley Ranch with fresh mushrooms, salsas, and pasta sauces; and Pasta Bar, offering a variety of dried pastas.
The Saturday market serves as a community hub.
Families can visit the Kids Tent, sponsored by Gateway Financial Partners, for free weekly educational and fun activities. Visitors also can meet local nonprofits in the Community Tent, sponsored by Batavia Enterprises, and enjoy live music every week on the Woonerf at the Instrument Exchange.
The market accepts SNAP benefits and offers LINK Match, a USDA-sponsored incentive that doubles SNAP dollars for the purchase of fresh fruits and vegetables.
The Artisan Collective adds a creative flair to the market every third Saturday from May through October. These monthly pop-up markets feature local artisans showcasing handmade goods and vintage treasures, including original art, woodwork, jewelry, stained glass, crochet items, and more.
Gerald Subaru of North Aurora and K. Hollis Jewelers Boutique & Wine Bar are the presenting sponsors of the market.
Vendor listings, updates, and special features can be found on Facebook and Instagram @bataviafarmersmarket and @downtownbatavia.