Fresh on the heels of being named the best farmer’s market in the state, officials with the Arlington Heights Farmer’s Market are bringing it back Saturday for a one-day event they call the Arlington Heights Winter Market.
Patrons brave the cold at last year’s Winter Market.
For the second year, the Winter Market returns to its familiar location, at Fremont Street and Vail Avenue, adjacent to the grounds of the Arlington Heights Historical Museum. The market runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday and will feature many popular vendors, including: Flara Bakery, Ice Cream Girl and Sydney’s Pretty Baked as well as some new seasonal ones, says Maggie Sraga, manager of the market. Admission is free.
“We will have fire pits and s’more stations set up,” Sraga says, “as well as live music from Ralph Russler, the chance to take photos with the Grinch and lots of holiday cheer.”
One of the keys to the success of the farmer’s market in the summer is its partnership with local community organizations. Saturday is no different. This time, the market will collaborate with the Arlington Heights Park District and its Winter Frostival event, to offer families even more free activities.
Popular vendor, Ice Cream Girl, returns for the Winter Market.
Now in its four year, the Winter Frostival takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, both inside the museum and on its grounds. Park district officials describe the event as a ” 50s-era, Jack Frost style event.”
Families will have the chance to meet a real-life Ice Princess, Ice Queen, and winter animal ambassadors, as well as enjoy cocoa and cookies. They can join in on Frosty the Snowman story-time, make a snowman craft, listen to strolling carolers and visit with Santa.
“Frostival has continued to evolve each year based on the wants and needs of the community,” says Amy Lewandowski, director of marketing for the park district, “and having the Winter Market be a part of Frostival is part of that.
“It’s no secret that the community loves the Farmers Market so it was an easy decision to partner these events together,” she adds. “It brings people of all ages to pick up some produce and then head over to Frostival for some holiday cheer.”
Father and son meet one of the winter animal ambassadors at Frostival.
Last summer’s award winning Farmer’s Market drew 75,000 people to come out over the course of its season. Demand was so high that they are bringing it back one more time, Sraga says.
“We are running the market to spread a little holiday cheer,” she says, “as well as provide market-goers with a chance to shop local for last minute gifts and stock up on their favorite vendors products.”
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