Summertime vibes are set to sizzle with the 18th annual Illinois Product Farmers Market launching May 15. Foodies and family units alike can congregate at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds from 3:30 to 7 p.m. for a fresh taste of what the Prairie State has to offer. In a statement obtained by Illinois.gov, Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, declared the market's opening as "the unofficial kickoff of summer."
The Illinois Department of Agriculture is pulling out all the stops with local vendors serving up the goods, alongside a side of fun with family-friendly activities and live tunes. A free market bag comes with the territory, claim one while they last, to haul local finds back home. A savory lineup awaits, from Nuthatch Hill BBQ to Leo's Pizza on Wheels, and for the sweet tooth in the crowd, Johnnie O's Mini Donuts. And for those who spin the Illinois Product Buy Local Prize Wheel, treats range from SkyZone to Harvest Market perks.
For a splash of whimsy, kids can go hands-on with trucks, balloon animals, face painting, and meet-ups with local zoo critters. While the young'uns play, live music from Not Petty and prize giveaways, including gift cards and museum passes, will keep the energy buoyant. As reported by Illinois.gov, every hour on the hour, marketgoers gather for prize drawings and a chance to snag gifts like Illinois wine and event passes.
A bonus for budget watchers, the IDOA matches every dollar spent using Link at the market, doubling the purchasing power for fruits and veggies. This move is part of a broader push to make fresh produce accessible to more Illinoisans, a welcome perk for Link users. And with ample parking right across from the fray, venue access is a cinch.
Supported by an array of sponsors from the Illinois State Fair to Lincoln Land Community College, the range of participants underscores the event's communal spirit. AARP Illinois is in the mix, offering weekly raffles which could see shoppers walking away with "Market Cash" or a signature basket packed with vendor goods. Full details, including a schedule of events and a vendor list, are available on the Illinois.gov website.
The Illinois Product Farmers Market promises a local-centric shopping spree from May through September, paused only for the Illinois State Fair and resuming briefly for an October fall market. For those with goods to peddle, there's still time to snag a vendor's spot. Reach out, make connections and join a growing list of Illinois producers making this annual event flourish.
