DU QUOIN, IL is gearing up for a summer of fresh produce and community connection, as the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Farmers Market prepares to swing open its gates on June 4, officials said Thursday. The weekly market, poised to cater to the local community every Tuesday from 3 - 6 p.m. at The Cattle Barns, is part of the Illinois Department of Agriculture's push to strengthen ties between farmers and their customers.
In a statement that shows the state’s push to blend agriculture with community spirit, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton sang praises of the initiative. "Farmers markets are perfect for connecting people to the local farmers, growers, and producers behind their food. When I say Ag Connects Us All, I'm talking about the community we find in spaces like these," Stratton said. Alongside fostering connections, the market aims to support those struggling with food insecurity through its Link Match program, which matches SNAP purchases up to $25 per swipe – and with no cap on the number of swipes a day, according to a press release from the Illinois Government.
The Department of Agriculture's Director Jerry Costello II highlighted the event as an avenue for spotlighting local enterprises. "The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Farmers Market is a fantastic opportunity to spotlight small and mid-sized businesses in the Perry County area," Costello remarked. The community-led market boasts a variety of goods and promises a mix of both nutrition and economy.
The market, which is set against the rustic charm of The Cattle Barns, is easily accessed by entering Gate 1 and turning left on Expo Drive. Those interested in peddling their produce or crafts at the market can still grab a spot, as space remains available. Vendor hopefuls should reach out to [email protected] for an application, the state said. The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds Farmers Market, backed by organizations like the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Food Works, and LINKUp Illinois, extends its warm, wholesome invitation to the public for every Tuesday from the start of June through the dog days of summer, ending August 6.
