Community Corner

It's National Farmers Market Week

The Palatine Farmers' Market is being celebrated this week during National Farmers Market Week, sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Did you know that August 4-August 10 is National Farmers Market Week?

The Palatine Farmers' Market began 23 years ago under the guidance of Marg Duer, who is not only the Palatine village clerk, but also the manager of the market to this day. 

“All our vendors are local by definition. Most of our produce vendors are certified organic or have adopted organic practices. Just ask them,” Duer said on the Village of Palatine website.

Duer said August is prime season for everything at Farmers' Markets--Michigan fruits, apricots, peaches, early apples, and berries. 

"Find the most flavorful local tomatoes, bi-color sweet corn, lettuces, beans, cucumbers for salads, pickling and juicing, and add to your salad zucchini, potatoes, onions and more," Duer said. 

A Market favorite, Jazzman Jeff Justman will be performing at the Palatine Farmers' Market Saturday, August 10 from 9 to noon. 10. 

On August 17, Mike from Mike's Bike Shop will be on hand with bike path maps and information, and will check your bike and helmet for safety. Also on the 17th Claudia Gabor will bring to the Palatine Market local honey (from Inverness) in 6,8,10 oz. jars--unpasteurized, unprocessed, just natural honey direct from the bees!

Elise Steglinski & Tom Swenson will perform for the first time this season on the 17th.

Throughout Illinois, there are 336 Farmers Markets - including Palatine's - and appear to be gaining in popularity. 

“Due to consumer demand for local food we are seeing an increase in the diversity of market offerings, and more participation from small businesses and farms,” Agricultural Marketing Service Administrator Anne Alonzo said in a USDA press release. 

“This year we are focusing on the sustainability and maturity of farmers markets–keeping new and old markets thriving and improving. Farmers markets around the country continue to be popular social events for families and communities,” she said.  

In addition to local farms, bakeries and orchards, ready-made food offerings from area businesses - and even a knife sharpener among many others - also are available at the Palatine Market.

According to the latest Census of Agriculture, direct sales of food products from farmers to individual consumers rose by nearly 50 percent between 2002 and 2007.

The Palatine Farmers' Market runs through October 26, and is held each Saturday from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Palatine Metra parking lot. 

Visit the village website for a full listing of vendors

Information provided, in part, by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Village of Palatine. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here