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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;