Six months after being named “best in Illinois,” the Arlington Heights Farmers Market returns — in less than one month — on Saturday, May 9. It figures to be a happening place when it returns to its familiar setting on the grounds of the Arlington Heights Museum and the nearby commuter parking lot, at Vail and Fremont streets. The market runs from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 10.
Look for the components that made the market stand out, to return this season, along with several new additions, says Maggie Sraga, manager of the Arlington Heights Farmers Market.
“We are really trying to build off of winning best market in Illinois last year,” Sraga says. “I think it’s going to be one of our best seasons yet.”
For starters, Sraga unveiled a list of new vendors today who will be coming to the market. They include: Chicago Butter Tart, Goodstuff Eats BBQ, Hugs ‘N’ Quiches, Iron Roots Knife Sharpening. Pasta By Val, River Valley Ranch, Tsedah Farms and Yaya’s Dips.
Of course, she adds, the market will continue to feature many of patrons’ favorites, including: Flara Bakery, Curious Crow and The Ice Cream Girl, among others. Find a full list of vendors, here.
The Arlington Heights Farmers Market drew more than 3,000 patrons every Saturday last season, and they
came for more than just fresh produce.
Since the Historical Society took over the market in 2014 — from local realtor Claudia Starck who started it — they have intentionally made it more of a destination, adding live music, family activities and hot food, along with its vendors selling fresh produce, flowers and more.
“Every week there will be live music inside the market as well as in the picnic area,” Sraga says. “We will have a kid’s craft activity every week in our Little Sprouts Corner.
“This year, we are excited to offer a variety of group exercise classes,” she adds, “through our Movement At the Market program.”
Here are some of the highlights:
May 9- Little Sprouts Corner: Make your own wind chime
May 30- Music by School Of Rock
June 6- Arlington Heights Garden Club Plant Sale
June 20- Kid’s Day At The Market
July 25- Dog Day At The Market
August 8- National Farmers Market Week Celebration
August 15- Yoga In the Park
October 17- Trick or Treating At the Market
Of course, with its partnership with the Arlington Heights Historical Society, farmers market patrons also will have the chance to explore the grounds of the museum and some of its 50,000 artifacts in its collection.
Here’s how Historical Society members frame it: “The Arlington Heights Farmers Market has become a vibrant centerpiece for the community, not just for its fresh produce and artisan goods, but for its community feeling, making it a Saturday morning destination for many Arlington Heights families.”
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