Buffalo Grove Farmers Market closes 18th season as something community ‘counts on’

Buffalo Grove prides itself on being “Smart. With heart” — the village’s official branding motto — and many would say a prime example of that is the town’s farmers market.

The Buffalo Grove Farmers Market recently wrapped up its 18th season at Mike Rylko Community Park, and in her report to the village board last week, longtime event chair Paulette Greenberg detailed its successes.

“What began as a small effort has grown into a lively weekly gathering,” said Greenberg, who leads a team of dedicated volunteers that includes students and parents teaming with their children.

Volunteers arrive as early as 5:30 a.m. every Sunday to set up the market, tear everything down at 12:30 p.m., and repeat the routine the next week.

“Volunteer energy makes this possible,” Greenberg said.

The market has brought in $29,122 in net profit for the village over the past five years, Greenberg said.

It also has given some vendors their first chance to sell their wares directly to the public, supports local food pantries, and provides community partners and public agencies the opportunity to connect with the community.

This year’s market showcased 38 vendors, supplying customers with meats, cheeses, coffee, pastries and bagels, as well as Mexican and Indian offerings.

Each week also features a business of the week, two spots for nonprofits to highlight their work, and live music.

“Every Sunday morning, the market has been one of the things people in this village count on,” said Trustee Denice Bocek, the village board’s liaison to the market. “That’s exactly the kind of event that brings a village together.”

szalusky@dailyherald.com