The Palatine Farmers Market reached a milestone anniversary this year, and organizers — and its patrons — are celebrating all season long. The market’s organic farmers and large vendor base have been drawing patrons to its familiar location at the Palatine train station, since 1991, or for 35 years.
A number of reasons drive its success. For starters, it is one of the only markets in the Northwest suburbs which offers fresh produce and artisan goods — year-round — as vendors transition from the summer season right into a bi-monthly winter market.
Another reason the Palatine Farmers Market stands out is that it is a non-compete market, says Barbara Rozny, Market Manager, which is fairly unusual in the area.
“All of our vendors specialize in their categories,” she says. “Other than our farmers, each with their own speciality of traditional or organic farming, we have no duplicate vendors.
“Many of our vendors have been with us for more than 15 years,” she adds, “with two vendors being with us for 25 years.”
This year, the market features 37 full-time weekly vendors, up from 25 last year. As with neighboring markets, Palatine’s version also includes activities to engage local families.
New this year is “Storytime with Miss Helen.” While Miss Helen has been a regular volunteer at Palatine’s market for several years, but this new gig allows her to share her gardening expertise as a member of the Illinois Master Gardeners Association, with children. Look for her weekly sessions to include reading and learning about animals, plants and gardening.
Miss Helen engages youngsters and their parents with stories about plants and animals.
“Storytime with Miss Helen was a huge success,” Rozny says after the feature debuted on Saturday. “The kids loved it.”
This Saturday is the third Saturday of the month and that means the market hosts a special feature: five local artisans can be found in the “Crafter Corner,” with their range of specialty items.
While the market hosts monthly events from May through October — think Mother’s Day, Fathers Day, Dairy Month, Celebrate America’s birthday and Farmer Appreciation Week, to name a few — this Saturday will pay tribute to veterans and welcome members of the American Legion Post 690 in Palatine, with their red poppies.
Given the increased number of vendors and farmers, as well as the activities for all ages, organizers hope residents find a sense of warmth and community at the Palatine Farmers Market.
“We are celebrating our 35th year,” Ronny adds, “of bringing the Palatine and surrounding communities the freshest produce around.”
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