Fresh produce coming soon to Fox Valley farmers markets
Fresh, locally grown produce will soon be available at farmers markets throughout the Fox Valley and Tri-Cities area.
Aurora Farmers Markets: The Aurora Farmers Market is celebrating its 100th year - at a new location, Wilder Promenade, 350 N. River St. (the former Aurora Police headquarters). It opens Saturday, June 2. Join the centennial year celebrations for weekly special events, special guest visitors, family activities, fresh farm products and more.
Shop for local produce and farm products in downtown Aurora every Saturday and on the far east and west sides of the city each Wednesday.
Aside from seasonal fruits and vegetables, Aurora's Farmers Market showcases home-baked goods, fresh cut flowers, gourmet wines and cheeses, lawn ornaments, arts and crafts, a variety of cooking and kitchen items, food demonstrations featuring local chefs, blood pressure checks and an array of entertainment from local artists.
Healthy Living Initiatives offer special themed programs during the downtown markets:
Ÿ First week of the month: Green Initiatives
Ÿ Second week of the month: Nutrition
Ÿ Third week of the month: Active Living/Healthy Lifestyles
Ÿ Fourth week of the month: Wellness Checks
Children in preschool through fifth grade can learn and play together in the Sprouts program on nutrition during each downtown market in June, July and August.
LINK/EBT cards are accepted at the downtown market to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables to encourage healthier eating.
Aurora's Farmers Market will be held from 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 2 to Oct. 27, at Wilder Promenade, 350 N. River St.
The Aurora Farmers Market East will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays, July 11 to Sept. 12, at Spring Lake Park, 3500 McCoy Drive.
The Aurora Farmers Market West will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, July 11 to Sept. 12, at West Plaza Shopping Center, 1901 W. Galena Blvd.
The Friends of Aurora's Farmers Markets maintains a Facebook page.
Batavia Farmers Market: South Water Street between Wilson and First Streets, Batavia: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 16 through Oct. 27. Fresh produce, baked goods, artisan products, plants, honey and related farm products from area farmers and businesses. Call (630) 761-3528 or visit downtownbatavia.com.
Cary Farmers Market: The Cary Farmers Market will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday, June 3 through Sept. 30. The outdoor market will be held in the western portion of the commuter parking lots near the train station off West Main Street at High Road. It will feature fresh fruits and vegetables, farm fresh eggs and meats, cheeses, baked goods, herbs, flowers, honey, fruit pies, pickles, dressings, seasonings and more. On the first Sundays of each month, the Cary Farmers Market will host special events and activities, including free chamber shopping bags to the first 100 attendees, raffles for free bags of Farmers Market groceries, outdoor music and extra vendors. For information, call the Cary Grove Chamber at (847) 639-2800 or visit carygrovechamber.com.
Crystal Lake Farmers Market: Depot Park, 70 E. Woodstock St., Crystal Lake: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, starting June 2. Features fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more. On Sept. 29 only, the farmers market will be located at the southwest corner of Grant and Brink streets, due to the Johnny Appleseed Festival. Ample, free parking is available in the Metra commuter lots. Call (815) 479-0835 or visit downtowncl.org.
Geneva French Market: Geneva Metra Station, South and Fourth Streets, Geneva: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, through October. Features fresh produce, fine textiles, fresh baked goods and gifts. genevachamber.com.
Geneva Green Market Days: 75 N. River Lane, Geneva: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays, June 7 to Oct. 25. Locally grown, minimally processed (or organic) fresh vegetables, cheese and frozen beef. They also have freshly-cut flowers. Chef demos and a "kids' corner" are featured at the market as well. Call (847) 501-0430 or visit genevagreenmarket.org.
Harvest Market: 200 N. Grove Ave., off Kimball Street in downtown Elgin: 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, June 7 to Oct. 4. It features local vendors selling mostly locally grown and produced foods, as well as education on good sustainable practices for healthy living and adding a weekly component of arts and artisans. Visit downtownelgin.com.
Heritage Prairie Farm: Farmers market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at 2N308 Brundige Road, Elburn. Featured are organic produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, French pastries and crepes, natural pet treats, blueberries, flowers, soaps, mustards and spreads, coffee and tea, cupcakes and pies and more. heritageprairiefarm.com.
Huntley Farmers Market: Off Coral Street, along the downtown square, Huntley: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 26 through Oct. 13. On May 26, stop by "Plant Your Garden Day" and first farmers market of the season. It features perennial and annual plants for your home and garden, hanging baskets, yard art and more. Also breads and baked goods (regular and gluten-free), honey, jam, pickles, eggs, barbecue sauces and rubs, granolas, Polish foods, handmade soaps and dog treats. Shop the craft fair for a variety of gift and home items. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy free entertainment in the gazebo. The Kids Area will feature seed planting and kids' crafts to take home, sponsored by Wayne's Homegrown Fruits & Vegetables. Call (847) 515-5200 or visit huntley.il.us.
Old Dundee Farmers Market: The Depot, 319 N. River St., East Dundee: It features around 40 vendors each week selling vegetables (in season), honey, flowers and bedding plants, plus soaps, antiques and collectibles from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 27. New vendors are welcome. Call (847) 426-4307 for booth information and visit the rules and regulations page for details about becoming a vendor. For details, call (847) 426-2423 or visit dundeedepot.com.
St. Charles Farmers Market: Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, from June 1 to Oct. 26. It offers fresh-from-Kane-County produce, fruit, cheese, eggs, beef and goat meat, poultry products, fruit and flowers from Michigan Orchards as well as fresh flowers, garden plants, honey, produce and foodstuffs from Illinois growers. The market also offers an array of gourmet food products, fresh-baked bread, garden and landscaping products, jewelry, arts and crafts. Shoppers also can purchase breakfast and lunch items, coffee and beverages at the market. Gourmet food items are available from a number of vendors and at the Baker Church food tent. The market is a part of the church's community outreach and also helps generate funds and increased awareness of the church's overseas mission program. Call (630) 584-6680 or visit bakermemorialchurch.org.
South Elgin Farmers Market: The Flower Wagon, 989 W. Spring St., South Elgin: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, June 6 to Sept. 19. This partnership between the Flower Wagon and South Elgin Parks and Recreation allows South Elgin residents the opportunity to get fresh produce and flowers all at one location. Call (847) 622-0003 or visit southelgin.com.
Sugar Grove French Market: Sugar Grove Municipal Building parking lot, Route 30 and Municipal Drive, Sugar Grove: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, June 2 to Oct. 13. Featuring fresh produce, flowers, herbs, baked goods and crafts. For details, visit sugar-grove.il.us.
Woodstock Farmers Market: On Woodstock Town Square, off Johnson Street: From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays, May 1 to Oct. 30. They will accept SNAP and LINK cards, WIC and Elderly coupons. Featuring a variety of organic vegetables, natural beef, wines, herbs, nursery stock, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, honey, gourmet cheese, baked goods, soaps, woolen products, yarns, perennials, bedding plants, annual plants, apples, small fruits and trees. For the first three Saturdays of November and December it is held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Farm Bureau building at 1102 McConnell Road. Live music will be held from 9 a.m. to noon each market. For information, visit woodstock.il.gov