a day ago
Aurora Farmers Market opens for the season with expanded layout
Cassandra Weisner of North Aurora usually visits a farmers market in nearby Batavia but elected to come to the Aurora Farmers Market on its opening day of the season on Saturday.
'I like to support local when I can and check out different vendors as I know there are changes in the markets every year,' she said. 'I'm here for pretty much everything, but I'd like to see some produce although I know it's early for a few things.'
Beginning at 8 a.m., Weisner and hundreds of others welcomed in the 2025 season at the Aurora Farmers Market, the state's longest running venue of its kind, now in its 114th year.
Both vendors and shoppers experienced a new, expanded layout thanks to a configuration that changed parking and allowed room for the market to increase by at least 50% over the past few years.
Organizers said before the opening that a total of 85 vendors signed up this year and that somewhere between 60 and 70 would be at each of the weekly markets, which will run from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays through Oct. 4 at 65 S. Water St. in downtown Aurora.
New communications manager for the city of Aurora Jon Zaghloul spoke before Saturday's opening about the legacy of the market and how it has impacted other markets in the area as well as improved the well-being of those who patronize it.
'Aurora takes pride in the fact that we do get to host the oldest farmers market in the state of Illinois each and every year and truly, it's a testament to the community events division for working hard to continue to bring new vendors into the market,' Zaghloul said. 'We have provided a blueprint for other markets in the area.'
Zaghloul touted quality-of-life issues as the market provides farm-to-table food, adding that it also serves underprivileged individuals who rely on food stamps.
'At the end of the day it's a great opportunity for residents to get farm-fresh food from a number of different vendors,' he said. 'Residents can show up with food stamps and get food from the market, too. It's a great chance for anybody in the city, regardless of their income.'
Dan Taggart of Waukegan met his mother Denise Taggert from Yorkville at the market Saturday morning.
'This is great. You get fresh produce … and you kind of see the local stuff. We want to get some sausages too,' Dan Taggart said. 'I like seeing local things and things that you might not see elsewhere. I think these kinds of markets are very enjoyable.'
Denise Taggart said she likes to support small businesses.
'That's always good, supporting local,' she said. 'I'm impressed that this market has lasted so long and it's one of the best around. It's a good variety of vendors and it's huge and worth the drive.'
Kimberly Belton of Montgomery said she knew about the history of the market and that she 'comes every year.'
'I just enjoy markets. I like to see fresh things and different things and I also want to support local small businesses,' she said. 'I go for more vegan things – fruits and veggie stands and I also like crafts.'
Belton said she was 'excited when I walked up' to the expanded market on Saturday.
'I like the new design and as I said to a stranger when I was walking up I'm excited to see there's no parking (taking up space) and there are more vendors,' she said. 'I like what they've done with this.'
She said the Aurora Farmers Market is a staple for her.
'I come every week,' she said. 'It's my Saturday morning go-to for sure.'
