The 2023 Farmers market season: Here's a list of markets opening this year
Old Capitol Farmers Market
On the corner of Fourth and Adams streets in downtown Springfield
Season: May 17-Oct. 28 Saturdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
This is the 24th season for the event in downtown Springfield, which is the largest down state, producers only farmers market. The open-air venue has maxed out available vendor slots this year with more than 50 serving up everything from smoothies to stained glass.
Electronic Benefit Transfers (EBT) are 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
The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds
Season: May 18 - Sept. 28, Thursdays from 3:30 to 7 p.m. (except during the Illinois State Fair)
This is the 16th 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. New vendors this year will be selling a range of products from freeze-dried candy to coffee by the cup or bean, scratch-made pretzels to bread loaves.
Link cards are accepted and there is a match program up to $25.
The kickoff celebration includes kids’ activities, a touch-a-truck event and a drawing for state fair concert tickets.
And this year the market is offering a bonus fall event Saturday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The LMH Market
Expo Building at the Logan County Fairgrounds in Lincoln
Season: May 20 - Sept. 30, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon
This is the eighth season for this producers-only venue. 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. Several new bakers join the lineup this year, including macarons from ZINful Confections.
A rotating schedule of events throughout the season include the children’s Power of Produce (POP) Club, free health screenings and Moving at the Market challenge that rewards individuals for walking a lap at the track with monthly prizes. Programming throughout the season will feature instructional events on flower arranging and soap making.
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
Pathway Plaza in the 1900 block of W. Morton Avenue in Jacksonville
Season: May 20 - Oct. 28, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon
This is the 26th season for the vendor-run, growers only market, located just east of Walmart. The open-air market averages a half-dozen to two-dozen vendors throughout the season selling seasonal produce, locally raised proteins, eggs, baked goods, plant starts and flowers. SNAP benefits are accepted with a matching grant.
Rochester Public Library Farmers Market
1 Community Drive in the library parking lot in Rochester
Season: June 11 – Sept. 4, second and fourth Sunday every month from noon to 3 p.m.
The outdoor market features roughly a dozen vendors selling locally raised produce and proteins and scratch baked goods. The market also has a variety of food trucks and kids’ activities. Cash or check payments accepted, as well as SNAP benefits with a matching program.
Small Town Taylorville Farmers Market
Downtown Taylorville on the east and south sides of the square
Season: May 6-Sept. 30, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon
The market averages two dozen vendors weekly, selling locally grown produce and fresh meats, scratch-made baked goods and arts and crafts.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: The 2023 Farmers market season: Here's a list of markets opening this year
