Feedback sought on farmers market

The last Sugar Grove farmers market of the season was held Saturday at John Stewart Elementary School on Main Street and organizers are already eager to receive feedback for next year.

They will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Sugar Grove Community House, 141 Main St., to compare notes and begin planning for 2008.

"We're inviting residents from Sugar Grove and the surrounding communities," said volunteer coordinator Pat Graceffa. "We'd like to hear what people want for next year and get feedback while the farmers market is still fresh in their minds."

Graceffa said she is happy with how the 2007 season went, but added, "It can always be better. But we do very well for a small community. People come from as far as Big Rock, Plano and Montgomery, especially when they see the signs about corn. They love the fresh corn. And we had an early season this year because of all the rain.

"Unfortunately, there is always a dip in attendance in August, with families going on vacation and getting ready for the new school year, and that's when you get the best fruits and vegetables."

Graceffa said that five farmers sell regularly at the Sugar Grove market. Two are produce farmers, one raises mushrooms, one is an egg farmer and one is a meat farmer who also sells eggs.

A noted community booster, Graceffa makes a good case for a local farmers market.

"It's important today to know where your food is coming from," she said. "Our farmers are not certified as green, but they are trained to grow crops as chemically-free as possible. Plus, the eggs are from free-range chickens and the meat doesn't contain hormones.

"Also, when we settled here, we interrupted the farms," she added. "But a lot of us have an interest in local agriculture. We want to support the farmers who are still here. The community should rally around them."

The Sugar Grove market occasionally featured crafters, and shoppers could sometimes pick up plants, flowers or shrubs, but these vendors were not regulars.

Graceffa expects that Barkaholics, a local business that sells specialty dog products, including treats, grooming supplies and leashes and collars, will join the market regularly next season.

Pancake breakfast

The Sugar Grove Fire Department is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the fire station, 25 S. Municipal Drive.

Proceeds help support "Breakfast with Santa," which the fire department hosts annually during Holiday in the Grove. The funds are also used to support youth baseball. The cost is $6 for adults, $3 for kids 3-10 and kids 2 and younger get in free.

For information, call Paula at the fire station at (630) 466-4513.