St. Charles farmers market set to open

The 2009 St. Charles Farmers Market opens Friday, June 5 at 7 a.m. The market will run every Friday through the end of October. It is located at Fourth Avenue and Main Street, along Baker Memorial United Methodist Church in downtown St. Charles.

The St. Charles Farmers Market offers "fresh from Kane County" produce, fruit, cheese, eggs, pork, bacon, sausage, meat and poultry products, and bountiful fruit and flowers from Michigan orchards, as well as fresh flowers, garden plants, honey, produce and foodstuffs from Illinois growers. The market also offers a tempting array of gourmet food products, fresh baked bread, garden and landscaping products, jewelry, arts and crafts.

2009 marks the sixth season the St. Charles Farmers Market is sponsored by Baker Memorial United Methodist Church. The market is a vital part of the church's community outreach and also helps generate funds and increased awareness of the church's mission program.

"Shoppers at the 2009 St. Charles Farmers Market will see more farm products, eggs, fresh produce, fruit and locally raised organic produce," commented market manager, Robert Murphy. "We are thrilled to see the growing participation by local and regional farmers and food vendors in our market and very proud of the large number of farm fresh family-owned farmers selling their products at this market. I encourage the community to visit the market on Fridays and to make it a weekly trip."

St. Charles Farmers Market shoppers can also purchase breakfast and lunch items, coffee and beverages at the market. Delicious gourmet food items are available from a number of market vendors and at the Baker Church Food Tent. This year, the Baker's Market Kitchen will create "Fresh from the Market" dishes and gourmet food items. Weekly, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, salads, breakfast strata and other gourmet dishes will be available to take home.

The St. Charles Farmers Market is open weekly from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays from June to the end of October. The market is an outdoor market, open rain or shine. For information, call (630) 584-6680 or visit the church's Web site at www.bakermemorialchurch.org.