We're coming into that great time of year where farmer's markets are having their heyday. There are many, many local farmers offering locally grown produce, even some grown without the use of pesticides.The farmer's market at Peoria's Metro Centre is celebrating 30 years in operation. With about 15 farmers participating here, there is a wide selection of fresh produce and flowers. They operate Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. until sold out. The kick-off this year is June 1, and, as reporter by the Journal Star, if you're one of the first 1,000 people, you could receive a tote bag to use to cart your goodies around.
Want something closer to Kickapoo or Dunlap, or not a morning person? The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is starting a farmer's market June 6, which will run Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m. They plan to have about 18 farmers and local music as well as cooking demonstrations.
Galesburg has a farmer's market near Main St., operating from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays.
Pekin's farmer's market operates downtown on Capital St. Thursdays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. with about 20 vendors. This market starts mid-July.
The popular Peoria Riverfront Market is back in gear starting June 2. In addition to all of the locally grown produce and flowers, there are several artists with booths here, and live music. I also love to pick up some bread from Peoria Bread Company. The market runs Saturdays from 8 a.m.-noon.
With all of this great fresh produce available, why would you want to pick up your produce at the local chain grocery or big box store? Who knows how long and how far that turnip traveled on a truck before it found you?
Now, if we could just get Washington to start a farmer's market!
3 comments:
Good article.
I love the farmer's markets and get all my produce there in the summer.
I'm hoping the Shoppes one will be successful, it's the only area one that is in the evening (that I know of).
BTW, I grew up in Washington. It's a nice place to live.
I hope Grand Prairie's market is successful, too. It will be nice to have an evening market, and also the live music.
I grew up in Chillicothe, but we love living in Washington. We'd love to see them take more advantage of the square. Maybe remodel facades of the south buildings, and try to attract some artisan-type businesses to the square, or to houses near to the square. And maybe even run a small market in the square center once a week.
I"m sure a farmer's market would be successful.
I live in Princeville and a nearby town, Wyoming, had a farmer's market one night per week last summer, and it seemed to do well.
Jennifer
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