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Chicago Tribune
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Naperville's farmers markets getting ready for a new season with new vendors, features
Naperville's two farmers markets will offer shoppers plenty of choices for fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, flowers, condiments, dog treats and much more this summer. The Naperville Farmer's Market kicks off June 7 and is open every Saturday between 7 a.m. and noon through Oct. 25 at the 5th Avenue Train Station. Naper Settlement Farmers Market runs from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays from July 1 to Sept. 23 on the history museum campus at 523 S. Webster St. Both offer dozens of vendors selling a wide variety of products. While it will be too early for shoppers to find peppers, tomatoes, corn, berries and other produce right away at the Naperville Farmer's Market — those items are typically available in July — there are plenty of other food items available for purchase, market manager Annamarie Bensfield said. And those familiar with the market will notice they've added eight to 10 new vendors this year selling things like jarred guacamole, fresh baked goods, herbal supplements, mushrooms, teas and juices, she said. 'We're expanding the market to over 60 vendors,' Bensfield said. 'It has really grown. We have a lot of wonderful, healthy products to offer our customers. 'I think it will be a really good market. I think (people) are looking for local goods. Things that are sustainable and things that are local. Our farmers all farm within a four-hour drive and it's farm-to-table.' The market has been a Naperville fixture for more than 40 years and will feature special events, including weekly live music and face painting. 'We're going to do a Summer Fest on Aug. 2 and Fall Fest Sept. 27, and we do an annual Halloween costume parade with prizes on Oct. 25,' she said. 'The kids get all dressed up and they're just adorable.' At the Summer Fest, vendors will highlight a new product or create something new with an existing product. 'Each booth has a special item,' Bensfield said. 'I think what's really important is that it serves the community,' she said. 'You could go with your neighbors. You see your friends. You sit and chat. I see whole families coming to the market. They gather around, they listen to music, they take time to visit with each other instead of … rushing through a grocery store. I think it's a great family activity.' Naper Settlement Farmers Market will return for its second year with more than 30 local vendors, live music and educational classes starting July 1, spokeswoman Nicole Hays said. 'I feel like last year went really well. I feel like the first year was a huge success,' she said. Market-goers told organizers they wanted more produce options so they've added Creek Side Market Garden, another large produce vendor, Hays said. The other produce vendor is Piscasaw Gardens, which is returning for a second year, she said. Produce needs to be grown locally and by the seller — nothing is imported, Hays said. 'In June, some farmers markets will have corn already. Corn doesn't grow here in June,' she said. 'Conveying that message to people is really important because they get frustrated. But when they learn why, it's like, 'Oh, that makes sense.' We have corn in August and that's fine.' Attendees also asked for more vendors this year, Hays said. 'We already have about 10 more than we did last year, which is good,' she said. 'We wanted to keep it modest last year since it was our first year. Now it's time to expand.' Among the vendors shoppers will see this year is a woodmaker who specializes in spoons, a cannoli maker, an empanada maker, a skin care vendor, pet cookie company and a peanut butter vendor. There will be booths selling honey, flowers, hot sauces, coffee and baked goods. Food trucks onsite include Billy Bricks, Umbrella Azul and Hello Boba. The Weed Ladies of the Naperville Heritage Society will sell their handmade dried and silk floral arrangements in the Daniels House in July and August. Adding to the atmosphere will be live bluegrass and acoustic music from local and regional artists between 4 and 7 p.m. and a splash pad for kids, Hays said As they did last year, there will be weekly agriculture-based educational classes offered for free from 5 to 6 p.m. 'We have our lectures every week and we partner with local nonprofits to talk about agriculture or farmers market-related things,' she said. Guests will learn about such topics as water bath canning, use and storage of herbs, breadmaking, raising backyard chickens, and making soaps and lip balms. 'The entire museum is open with free admission, which is great,' she said. 'I think a lot of people will be able to visit the museum that normally wouldn't.'When: 7 a.m.-noon Saturdays, June 7-Oct. 25 Where: 5th Avenue Train Station, 200 E. 5th Ave. Information: When: 3-7 p.m. Tuesdays, July 1-Sept. 23 Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St. Information: 630-420-6010;
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Best 4th in the North parade grand marshal named
TICONDEROGA — John Bartlett is the 2025 Grand Marshal for the Best 4th In The North Parade, the Ticonderoga Best 4th In The North Committee announced. Bartlett, of Ticonderoga, currently serves as a Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership Board Member and Grants and Fundraising Coordinator. He also was the former TMSP Promotion Committee Chair, playing a major role in planning many beloved community events. Officials said Bartlett's impact extends further as a Kiwanis Club Member and Volunteer, StreetFest Volunteer, End of Winter Carnival Volunteer, FallFest Volunteer and Best 4th in the North Committee Volunteer. Bartlett is also the creator and coordinator of the Ticonderoga Area Back Pack Program, an initiative that continues to support local students and families. 'His dedication can be seen across countless organizations, projects, and events that make our town such a vibrant place to live and visit,' Debbie Barber, Best 4th In The North Committee Chairperson, said. He is 'the perfect choice for our 2025 Grand Marshal and a shining example of making a difference in your community. Ticonderoga is truly grateful for your commitment, which was evident by the overwhelming number of nominations submitted as well as detailed information on why each person was nominating you.' 2025 parade applications and guidelines are available and can be found at or picked up at the Ticonderoga Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 94 Montcalm St., Suite 1 in Downtown Ticonderoga. Last year's parade participants have been mailed a parade application, officials said. Parade participants are encouraged to register as early as possible for planning purposes. The committee is hoping to see floats and participation from local attractions, businesses, sports teams, clubs, organizations, committees and youth groups. There is no charge to participate in the parade, but all entries must pre-register, be family friendly and follow all parade guidelines. Updated parade participant guidelines and rules are included in the parade application. All parade participants must read and sign off on these rules as well as apply by the stated deadline of June 23. No exceptions will be made. The entrance for check in for the parade will take place as you enter Race Track Road at the Route 74 entrance. The Best 4th In the North Celebration attracts many visitors to the Ticonderoga Area, which supports local businesses and the local economy. A schedule for the 2025 celebration is being finalized by the committee and will be available to the public soon. The celebration will take place July 1-4 with a grand fireworks display, parade, Montcalm Mile organized by the LaChute Road Runners, music, food, vendors, games and more. The Town of Ticonderoga supports the celebration with $10,000. Donations in support of the committee's efforts are tax-deductible as the Ticonderoga Montcalm Street Partnership is a 501c3 Not-For Profit organization. The Best 4th in The North committee also needs more volunteers to help with the planning, fundraising and during the celebration. The committee typically meets at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Chamber Office in Downtown Ticonderoga.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Downtown Definitely announces events for 2025 series
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Downtown Definitely revealed its schedule of events for the 2025 season! Each of the events takes place in the City of Rochester from June through September 2025, and each of the events will feature food, festivals, music, and more. Here is what to look forward to for Downtown Definitely: Midday Bash Midday Bash will be held on four Wednesdays from June to September (June 4, July 9, August 6, and September 10). Each one will be held in the afternoon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Parcel 5. Guests attending can expect to check out local food trucks, enjoy live music, games, giveaways, and more! Movies with a Downtown View The popular film screening event is coming back to Parcel 5 on one Friday each from June to August (June 13, July 18, and August 29) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Downtown Definitely needs your help picking which movies to be screened this year! You will be able to vote in a poll on the event's website by clicking here. MVP Fall Fest MVP Health Care's annual Fall Fest returns to Parcel 5 on Saturday, September 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature the popular 'Little Kids and Big Rigs' program where children can explore police cars, fire engines, construction equipment, and more vehicles. There will also be pumping decorating, inflatables, a petting zoo, and other activities. RPO Under the Stars For one night only this summer — Friday, July 11 from 6-10 p.m. — the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra will be performing at Parcel 5. Featured songs performed by the orchestra will be announced at a later time. Guests will be able to enjoy the music outside. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Sunset Sips This after-work gathering along the banks of the Genesee River at Austin Steward Plaza on one Thursday of each month from June to September (June 12, July 17, August 21, and September 11). Guests will be able to grab a drink as they wind down for the day with music and a comfortable outdoor setting. Yoga on the Riverway This event will be held at Austin Steward Plaza from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on one Tuesday of each month from June to September (June 10, July 8, August 12, and September 16). Participants will experience outdoor yoga along the Genesee River and will also feature goat yoga. There will be healthy refreshments on site, and the first 25 people who register get a complimentary yoga mat. You can learn more about these events by visiting Downtown Definitely's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
Report: Ontario County DA employees drank alcohol during workplace party
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Ontario County DA's Office is facing criticism after allegations of a 'Fall Fest' party involving alcohol in the workplace. An investigation report detailed an event known as 'Fall Fest,' an alleged event held annually by the DA's Office. The report says it grew over the years from a cook-off and games during a lunch break to a day-long event involving alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. According to the report, the workplace was decorated, and employees were in costume for the November 5, 2024, event. One employee allegedly dressed up as a stripper and decorated their office to resemble the 'Bada Bing!,' a fictional strip club from 'The Sopranos.' The report also says that some employees purchased alcohol and brought it into the courthouse. Some of them admitted to bringing drinks into the jury and courtrooms. Ontario County DA Jim Ritts allegedly admitted that he drank at work after 4 p.m. the day before 'Fall Fest' and drank during last year's event. News 8 reached out to Ritts for comment. Jason MacBride, who is running for Ontario County DA, released a statement Friday morning criticizing Ritts for being 'untruthful' when questioned during the investigation into the party. MacBride says this is not about 'silly politics,' but says the residents of Ontario County deserve 'leadership rooted in'integrity, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to justice.' ONTARIO-DA-1Download Stay with News 8 WROC as we continue to update this developing story. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Internal report details party at Ontario County Court House
An annual staff party held at the Ontario County Court House for the District Attorney's Office consisted of alcohol consumption by employees, costumes, decorations and karaoke in a courtroom, an Ontario County Department of Human Resources internal report states. The investigation was prompted by questions raised about whether alcohol was consumed by county employees at the event and whether it was proper to do so in the courtroom. The 18-page heavily redacted report obtained by the Democrat and Chronicle details an internal investigation into what occurred on the Nov. 5 event an Election Day party known as "Fall Fest." The report states that 20 current or former employees of the DA's Office and one employee from the Ontario County Sheriff's Department were interviewed for the investigation. "Fall Fest," according to the report, started years ago under former DA Mike Tantillo and included an extended lunch break for the Ontario County DA's Office with a cook-off and games. "Under DA Ritt's leadership, the event reportedly expanded into a day-long event on the day of 'Fall Fest' with not only a food competition, but costumes, elaborate office-wide decorations, the consumption of alcohol, games and/or singing karaoke," it reads. Previous "Fall Fest" events were usually confined to the DA's Office on the fourth floor of the courthouse, but the 2024 event utilized the third-floor jury room and courtroom for lunch and karaoke. In an email to the writer of the internal report on Dec. 5, District Attorney James Ritts said that his office "frequently engage(s) in team building efforts," including a cook-off once a year. He said that he spoke with Courthouse Security to get permission to extend the 2024 Election Day cook-off into the third-floor courtroom and jury room because they did not have the office space or electrical capacity for all of the crockpots in the fourth-floor office. Rumors about the Election Day party and questions of whether alcohol was served began circulating late last year in political and law enforcement circles. Local media pursued the questions and various media, including the Democrat and Chronicle, filed Freedom of Information requests for courthouse video. The video obtained earlier by the Democrat and Chronicle was from outside the court and, while it showed some DA employees arriving in costume, it did not show evidence of alcohol use. The report notes that Election Day is a paid holiday for state employees, but not county employees so only staff from the DA's Office, Correction Officers and Court Security were scheduled to work in the courthouse on Election Day. However, the investigation report says there was no allegation of wrongdoing by the Correction Officers and Court Security who engaged in training exercises on Election Day. The Nov. 5, 2024 'Fall Fest' was based on a theme – the name 'Anthony' – and included karaoke. One employee office was decorated as the 'Bada Bing Strip Club' from the popular HBO show 'The Sopranos,' which centered on mob boss Anthony Soprano. Another employee had a large pile of white powder on his desk to resemble cocaine, an apparent reference to the film 'Scarface' and its lead character, Tony Montana. Ritts dressed as a 'Mormon character from the musical 'The Book of Mormon.'' Employees did bring alcohol to the workplace, the report shows. 'Most employees interviewed by this writer admitted they drank alcohol during the workday at 'Fall Fest' 2024,' the report states. When interviewed for the investigation, Ritts at first said there was no alcohol involved in the event then clarified that he was speaking of the courtroom and not offices. Courtroom videos showed employees walking into the courtroom with Solo cups. 'When advised by this writer that employees brought Solo cups into the courtroom, DA Ritts acknowledged he did not know what was in the cups and it was 'possible' they contained alcohol,' the report states. Employees acknowledged that they did drink in the courtroom, the report shows. The staff said they did not see anyone intoxicated. Ritts said he thought he advised individuals that there should be no alcohol in the courtroom, but employees interviewed recalled no such admonition from the district attorney. When discussing employees who brought alcoholic drinks into the courtroom, DA Ritts stated, 'Shame on them.' ' The report shows that, prior to the internal county investigation, Ritts spoke with administrative personnel in the judicial district. In an email to arrange the interview with the county investigator, Ritts wrote 'you are late' and explained that he'd already addressed the festival with the court officials. In the email, Ritts said an interview would be difficult to time because his office was about to lose one prosecutor and did not have a first assistant district attorney, a reference to Jason MacBride, his former top assistant who announced he would be running against Ritts in the upcoming Republican Primary in June. 'I stand by what we did on November 5 and submit these team-building exercises are recognized as effective ways to keep staff happy and present and are an effective tool for recruitment and retention,' Ritts wrote. In a statement sent to a Democrat and Chronicle reporter in response to the investigation, Ritts wrote, "Just like plenty of offices everywhere, we held an office party on a State holiday. This event started many years ago under the direction of my predecessor and no one has ever made issue of it until now, when I happen to be running for re-election. Political silly season is apparently upon us, and I'm confident the people of Ontario County are smart enough to see through it." MacBride, who was once Ritts' ADA, but is now his challenger in the upcoming June Republican primary, released a statement Friday morning stating that he decided to drop into the DA race at the end of January 2025 after he learned about the internal investigation and was approached by "many within the county who shared serious concerns about the current direction of the District Attorney's Office." "Let me be clear: this is not about 'silly politics.' It is not silly for the public to expect their District Attorney to be truthful during an official investigation," MacBride wrote. "That expectation is not partisan - it is fundamental to the rule of law and good governance. To claim this is politically driven is a disgrace to the very system of justice we all deserve." In a text response to follow-up questions from a Democrat and Chronicle reporter regarding whether alcohol was permitted at these events in previous years when MacBride was the ADA, MacBride wrote, "No alcohol was permitted. It was literally a pot luck lunch and back to work." The Ontario County Office of County Administration also released a statement following media inquiries about the report stating that Ontario County does not publicly comment on internal Compliance Investigations. "The Ontario County Board of Supervisors does not condone inappropriate behavior from any County offices or employees," the statement says. The report also notes that some employees went to a cidery and continued drinking afterward without properly using flex or other leave time for hours away from work. — Gary Craig is a veteran courts and criminal justice reporter with the Democrat and Chronicle. — Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who covers breaking and trending news for the Finger Lakes Region. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Internal report details party at Ontario County Court House
