Elgin's market kicks off summer season

Summer doesn't officially begin until June 21, but it sure felt like it Thursday for the season opening of the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market.

Elginite Jennifer Swan had the date marked on her calendar and she, along with her kids Avery, 3, and Adin, 2, picked up some Italian bread and were going to browse some produce.

"I couldn't wait for it to open," she said. "I like that it's close. I like that they a lot of local vendors."

The market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Thursday from now until Oct. 7. Last year, the market closed at 2 p.m.

The first Thursdays of every month feature even longer hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the corner of Highland and Douglas avenues.

Jason Pawlowski, promotions coordinator for the Downtown Neighborhood Association, said organizers moved the market up a few weeks compared to previous years.

"It was a decision reached that we'd try to extend it into late May and see what type of customer base we'd get for Memorial Day," Pawlowski said.

The customer base early Thursday contained many regulars like Elginites Sue McIntyre and Jane Unger.

The pair just wrapped up a fitness class at the Centre and were shopping for cheese and vegetables.

"Every week, we come," Unger said. "It's wonderful. It gets bigger every year."

McIntyre said the pair are regulars at the market and were looking forward to taste testing a few wines from Red Bar Winery and Bistro, which is in downtown Elgin.

Jim and Doris Canfield, owners of Red Bar Winery, applied for and were granted permission to sell bottles and offer small samples this year at the market.

"It's such a great thing for Elgin," McIntyre said. "We live on the west side and we come out (here) after the Centre to get our food."

The market will be adding vendors as the season progresses. In addition to fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, bread, cheeses, dried herbs and more, there will be cooking demonstrations, outdoor art exhibits, green living workshops and even live music.

For details, visit downtownelgin.com or call (847) 488-1456 or visit downtownelgin.com