Hanover Park's first farmers market headed for summer debut

Hanover Park shoppers clamoring for fresh produce could find a new spot in town: the village's first farmers market.

Officials still have to give the green light to the long-awaited market, but the village and park district could ink a deal with an operator as early as May.

Shoppers would find veggies, meats and cheeses and flowers in the open-air market eyed for the Hanover Park Park District's site at Church Street and Walnut Avenue.

"It's a big draw for people not only within the community but outside of the community to come to these," Community and Economic Development Director Shubhra Govind said.

The prospective operator, Bensidoun USA, Inc., already has opened similar markets in Geneva, Vernon Hills and Wheaton. They're also in talks to open a market in Prospect Heights.

The village hoped to bring the amenity to the Metra commuter lots off Lake Street, but the space would only be available on the weekends, when the market would go head-to-head with seasoned competitors.

Bensidoun, though, wants to start off on Friday mornings from June 6 to Aug. 29.

On the park district land, the market would draw shoppers from tennis leagues held on Fridays, nearby homeowners and churches.

Govind hopes the market would lure as many as 20 vendors, most of them homegrown businesses.

"That gives them another venue to not only make sales but also get the word out about where they're located," she said.