5 Springfield-area farmers markets prepare for the season. See when they're open
It's spring and it's time once again for local farmers markets.
Here are the details on five annual farmers markets in the Springfield area that are getting ready to welcome customers back for the season with their fresh produce, activities and music.
Old Capitol Farmers Market
Where: Corner of Fourth and Adams streets in downtown Springfield
Season: May 21-Oct. 29, Saturdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This is the 23rd season for the event in downtown Springfield, which is the largest downstate, producers-only farmers market. The open air venue returns to its pre-COVID 19 operations, which means live sales only and no advance, online orders or curbside pick up.
Electronic benefit transfer is accepted and SNAP benefits can be converted at the information desk into a Healthy Ways card that can be spent like SNAP benefits. The Link Match program allows for SNAP benefits to be doubled up to $25.
Illinois Products Farmers Market
Where: The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds
Season: May 19-Sept. 29, Thursdays from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
This is the 14th season for the night market that combines access to fresh produce and other Illinois-based growers and businesses along with some nightlife. Different wines and craft beers produced in Illinois will be featured throughout the market season, along with food trucks and free, live music.
Link cards are accepted and there is a match program up to $25.
The kick-off celebration includes free apple cider slushies, as well as market and state fair giveaways.
The LMH Market (formerly The ALMH Market)
Where: Expo Building at the Logan County Fairgrounds in Lincoln
Season: May 7-Sept. 24, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
This is the seventh season for this producers-only venue, but the first year operating under a new name. Organizer Lincoln Memorial Hospital (formerly the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital) abbreviated its name last winter and the market followed suit.
Roughly two dozen vendors are signed up for the in-door market with products ranging from locally raised produce and proteins to goats’ milk soap and micro greens. Participating vendors have online advance orders available for pickup at the specially designated booth on market day. Online shopping can be done at www.localline.ca/the-almh-market from 8 a.m. Monday through noon Thursday.
A rotating schedule of events throughout the season include the children’s Power of Produce Club, free health screenings and Moving at the Market challenge that rewards individuals for walking a lap at the track with monthly prizes. Everyone who completes a lap in May receives a certificate for 30-days free access to the Lincoln YMCA.
SNAP benefits are accepted. And, thanks to a donation from the hospital foundation, the market will double the dollar value of SNAP benefits each week, except for the third Saturday of the month when SNAP benefits are tripled.
Jacksonville Farmers Market (formerly the Farmers Market at Lincoln Square)
Where: Pathway Plaza in the 1900 block of West Morton Avenue
Season: May 7-Oct. 29, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon
The vendor-run, growers only market got a new name and location this year after 24 years operating as the Farmers Market at Lincoln Square Shopping Center at 901 W. Morton Ave. The market averages a half-dozen to two-dozen vendors throughout the season offering seasonal produce, local raised proteins, eggs, honey, baked goods, plants, flowers and homemade soaps.
Rochester Public Library Farmers Market
Where: 1 Community Drive in the library parking lot
Season: May 12 through Oct. 9, second and fourth Sunday every month
The outdoor market features a dozen vendors selling local produce and scratch-made goods rain or shine. Food trucks and live entertainment planned.
Natalie Morris can be reached at 737-7254 or by email at natalie.sjr@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: 5 Springfield-area farmers markets are opening for 2022. Here's where
