May 27, 2021 (Highland Park) —The Ravinia Farmers Market opens for its 43rd season from 8a.m. to 1p.m.on Wednesday, June 2 at Jens Jensen Park, in Highland Park, with a special Customer Appreciation Day, featuring dozens of vendors, live acoustic music, organic product giveaways and more. Market attendees can also win community-provided prizes in an 11a.m. free drawing. The Ravinia market is one of only two markets in the Chicago area featuring local, organic produce grown by North Shore vendors.
This year’s market will be bigger than ever, having nearly doubled vendor participation since 2020, says market manager Ed Kugler, who has managed the market since 2016. In addition to retaining most vendors from last year, Kugler has added many new vendors to its weekly line-up of onsite tents, curbside pick-up and co-op tent participants. Each week’s market will feature seasonal selections from more than 35 local Midwest farmers, producers, artisans and organizations under the tents along Dean Avenue and through Jens Jensen Park.
The 2021 market will continue the successful pre-order curbside pickup option, explains Kugler. New this year, he adds, is a vendor co-op tent to allow shoppers an even greater selection of locally-grown and produced market items. Kugler is especially proud of the new website for the Ravinia Farmers Market (RaviniaFarmersMarket.com), which highlights weekly market information and vendors, and features links, videos, recipes and more. Customers can also look ahead to the season for expanded social media coverage, a newsletter, market job board and more ways to purchase local products.
Live music rejoins the market scene this year, as “Jazzman” Jeff Justman, Pierce Crask and other Chicago area acoustic musicians offer live entertainment in pass-the-hat style. Looks for regular music performances each week in a socially-distanced location adjacent to the market grounds. More information can be found on the market website.
COVID-19 protocols remain at the forefront for the safety of customers, vendors and market staff, Kugler says. “Current COVID- 19 state and local protocols will be followed and adapted to changing conditions as we are directed. The RFM is a member of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA), which works with the governor’s office to determine how all farmers markets in Illinois will follow the current COVID-19 protocols. We’re also working closely with the City of Highland Park for local requirements.”
The Ravinia Farmers Market is one of two markets located across from train stations along the Union Pacific North Metra Line. The new Glencoe Farmers Market, also managed by Kugler, opens June 10 from 3:30-7p.m. in Wyman Green.
This is the second year the Ravinia Neighbors Association is the Permit Sponsor for the Market, which allows the weekly event to have non-profit status. The market runs through October 27.
