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Oak Park Farmers' Market
The Oak Park Farmers’ Market will open for a milestone season on May 17, celebrating 50 years of providing fresh, local food to the community.
The Market takes place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from opening day through October at its longtime home in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot at 460 Lake St., one block west of Ridgeland Avenue.
In 1976, community members Marge Gockel and Carla Lind worked to together to start the Market, which first opened on North Boulevard before moving to the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot in 1978.
Shoppers this year will notice 10 banners with a special 50th anniversary logo lining Lake street on the blocks surrounding the Market.
More than two dozen independent farmers and producers will participate in the Farmers’ Market, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, fish, cheese, eggs, flowers, bread, grains and honey. The Market also features donuts made on-site, fresh coffee and live bluegrass music. Non-profit bake sales are offered most Saturdays. A majority of vendors accept credit/debit cards, as well as senior coupons. All eligible vendors accept LINK.
The Market hosts special events throughout the season, starting with Go Green Days on opening day and May 25 highlighting sustainability efforts in Oak Park. The first corn roast was held in 1982, and that tradition will continue this year on Aug. 9. The annual Pie Bake-Off, first debuted in 2017, continues and will take place on Sept. 6. The Stone Soup event, which has marked the closing of the season since 1983, will be held on Oct. 25.
Support for Market operations comes from sales of a variety of items available at the information tent, including reusable shopping bags and t-shirts. This year, patrons of the Market will also be able to purchase commemorative 50th season mugs as well.
Volunteers are essential to helping ensure the smooth running of the Farmers’ Market throughout the season. Referred to as Friends of the Market, these volunteers typically serve two-hour shifts on Market days.
Volunteer tasks include staffing the on-site information booth, assisting with special events, answering shoppers’ questions, helping sell Market merchandise and directing visitors around the site. For more information about becoming a Friend of the Market, call 708.358.5780 or email farmersmarket@oak-park.us
For more information about the Oak Park Farmers’ Market, call 708.358.5780, email farmersmarket@oak-park.us or visit www.oak-park.us/farmersmarket.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3052459-0
