Farmers' Market
Enjoy the bounty of Midwest farmers while you shop INDOORS!
Friends of Evanston Markets has established a new indoor Farmer & Artisan Food Market in Evanston. It is located in the Evanston Ecology Center at 2024 McCormick Blvd. The market will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays from December 3, 2011 through April 28, 2012 The market will not be held on December 24 and 31. The Ecology Center is located in the Ladd Arboretum with convenient free parking just across Bridge Street.
This market extends the farmers' selling season for local fresh produce and gives them an opportunity to add value to their produce by making and selling sauces, pickling products, soups and salsas. The market also provides local food artisans with a place to sell their products.
Market patrons can enjoy a roaring fire as they shop the market. It is anticipated that fresh produce will include root vegetables, lettuces, spinach, kales (photo at left), herbs, apples and pears. The market will also sell pork, beef, chicken, eggs, lamb and goat that are natural free range meats, as well as frozen blueberries, apple cider and fruit preserves. Locally-produced cheese, artisan breads, honey, pastries, coffee, chocolate sauces and ice cream will also be sold, with goat milk soaps and organic herb teas rounding out the selection.
An updated list of vendors will be posted on the Friends of Evanston Farmers Market web site.
Friends of Evanston Farmers Markets was founded in 2010. It is a not-for-profit volunteer organization. Friends of Evanston Farmers Markets educates the public about the benefits of eating fresh, locally grown foods, and advocates greater access to healthy food for all community members, regardless of means.
Summer Farmers' Markets
There are several Farmers' Markets in operation in the spring, summer and fall.
Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market
This market is held on Saturdays, from early May through early November. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Intersection of University Place and Oak Ave. (just east of East Railroad Ave.)
Contact: Myra Gorman, (847) 448-8045, mgorman@cityofevanston.org
In 2012, the market will celebrate its 37th year! This market has a festive atmosphere and is a real crowd-pleaser! Thirty-seven vendors sell a wide variety of goods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, cheese, milk, eggs and bakery items. Reusable and biodegradable bags are sold on site. Free parking is available in the adjacent 1800 Maple Avenue Self Park.
Downtown Market Special Events:
Homegrown Artists display and sell their artwork on select Saturdays. The 2012 dates are tba.
Food demonstrations and tastings will be conducted by Now We're Cookin'. The 2012 dates are tba.
Not-for-profit Day and Fall Fest dates are tba.
Click here>>> for the Time Out Chicago article on the Downtown market
LINK is the name of the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system used in Illinois to distribute food and cash assistance benefits authorized under several federal and state programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps.
West End Market
Dates: Saturdays, early June through late October
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Church St. and Dodge Ave. (ETHS parking lot)
Contact: Precious Wright, Manager, 847-756-0159
LINK cards are accepted at the West End Market.
Ridgeville Market
Dates: Wednesdays, early June through mid-October 12
Time: 3:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Intersection of Ridge Ave. and South Blvd.
Contact: Michael Miro, Manager, 847-869-5640
The sixth annual Ridgeville Farmer's Market will be held in 2012. This market sells fresh local and organic produce, fresh eggs, cool drinks, and a wide assortment of baked goods. Connect with neighbors, farmers and musicians while you take in the music and park atmosphere. Click here for more information.
Central Street Green Market
Dates: Wednesdays, early June through late October
Time: 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Location: Independence Park, intersection of Central St. and Stewart St. (2 blocks west of Green Bay Rd.)
This north side farmers' market features all-organic produce and the bread maker from across the street, Great Harvest Bread. Chad and Danica Procter, of Lake Breeze Organics, a longtime vendor at our downtown farmers' market, bring this farmers' market to Central Street.
Contact: Chad Proctor, Manager, 312-451-7358
Market tote and water cup
Show your support of the Evanston Farmers' Markets by buying the water bottle and tote bag. The items will be sold only at the Downtown Evanston market. Each item is $5. Proceeds will support the Downtown Evanston Farmers' Market
Tote bag
Bring home your fruit, veggies, cheese, eggs and baked goods in style! The tote bag is made of 100% natural bamboo, an eco-friendly resource. It is naturally biodegradeable and is very strong, but has a soft feel. It is 16 inches wide by 12 inches high. The gusset on the bottom expands to 6 inches, so you'll be able to carry more items. The handle/shoulder straps are 22 inches long.
Acrylic cup
This large cup will help keep your favorite hot or iced beverage the perfect temperature. The market's new BPA-free double walled acrylic cup will hold 18 ounces and has a retractable, self-contained thumbslide sipper straw.