Ravinia Farmers Market Update – week of August 28, 2024
Tomato and pepper season has started at the Ravinia Farmers Market, bringing a vibrant burst of summer colors and flavors. And while heirloom tomatoes are making a bit of a slow debut this year due to variable weather conditions, our local farmers will have a nice selection to enjoy, Stop by Jens Jensen Park on Wednesday, August 30 from 8am-1pm (7am early bid shopping) for farm-fresh heirloom tomatoes, peppers and sweet corn, as well as other summery selections of locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables to help celebrate the final days of August. Vendors will feature seasonal fruit including juicy peaches, nectarines, plums, and giant blackberries from Michigan, alongside late summer apples and crisp pears. The Market offers an opportunity to plan your weekly menu around the best of what the Midwest has to offer, from zucchini and summer squashes to organic kale, green beans, kohlrabi, radishes, beets, carrots, salad greens, and flavorful herbs Other vendors will offer local farm-fresh eggs, meats, cheeses, artisanal products, breads, honey, plants and flowers, natural skincare products and freshly made meals to enjoy on-site or take home. Try an all-skill-level yoga session at 9:30 with YogaSix-Highland Park; BYOM or a limited number of mats are available. Enjoy live music with Artist in Market Residency Pierce Crask from 9-10 a.m. and vintage jazz from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Paul Asaro & Natalie Scharf Duo. Be sure to stop by the Welcome Tent and enter the Ravinia Festival Free Drawing Experience for a chance to win two tickets to upcoming concerts, courtesy of Ravinia Festival. Additional prizes may include gift cards from local Highland Park business and natural products goody bags. For more information, visit RaviniaFarmersMarket.com.
Experience a Taste of Ravinia at All-Day Farmers Market in Highland Park
Celebrate National Farmers Market Week at the second annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market (RFM) from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on August 7, in Highland Park. This free all-day event brings together the community, farmers, chefs and local businesses. Attendees can enjoy “farmers-market-to-table” cooking demos, live music, family activities, an all-day farmers market and more. The RFM is collaborating with the Ravinia Neighbors Association to host and share this educational day. The usual weekly Ravinia Farmers Market will take place from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market from 2 to 8 p.m. with live music beginning at 11:30 a.m., family activities for all ages and meet-and-greets with Highland Park government officials, law enforcement and the fire department. Maya Rotman-Zaid, executive chef from Highland Park’s BellaRu Catering, will host cooking demonstrations, providing samples, recipes and a shopping list of ingredients available from market vendors. She says, “We aim to show how easy and enjoyable it is to cook with fresh, local produce.” Additional local restaurants like Ravinia Brewing Company and Viaggio will also participate in the Taste. Ravinia Business District merchants will offer open houses and specials, and some will have onsite booths in Jens Jensen Park. Market Manager Ed Kugler, who has managed the market for seven years, says, “Our community’s dedication to this market is what makes this celebration special. Last year’s event was a huge success, and we’re thrilled to do it again!” Location: along Dean Ave. and in Jens Jensen Park, in Highland Park. For more information, visit RaviniaFarmersMarket.com.
