Homewood Kicks Off Farmers Market and Pop-Up 'Stop' May 24

The Village of Homewood's Farmers Market kicks off summer on Saturday, May 24 with a focus on good food, gardening, shopping and family fun. Back by popular demand, Homewood Pop-Up shops return for the summer season at one location, 18065 Harwood Ave. The Homewood Farmers Market is every Saturday, May 24 through Oct. 11 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Homewood Village Hall parking lot at 2020 Chestnut Road. 

"Pairing the Farmers Market with the Pop-Up shops makes for the perfect summer outing," said PR/Marketing Coordinator Anna DeVries. "Families can make a day of it by enjoying live entertainment at the market while they shop for fresh produce and then strolling over to check out what's new at the Pop-Up shops across the street. There will be food trucks as well so shoppers can have lunch."

The Pop-Up Shops are conveniently located in one 2,500-square-foot open space at 18065 Harwood Ave across from the Metra station. This one-stop shop will feature dozens of new and exciting vendors from hand-made jewelry and accessories to home decor and garden art—as well as popular favorites such as Poppy's & Friends. Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., May 24 through July 5. Free and ample parking across the street. 

In 2013, the farmers market was managed by Bensidoun USA Inc as a French-styled outdoor market, however the 2014 Homewood Farmers Market will return to Village oversight and be managed by Homewood resident and 6-year market vendor Kate Duff of Homewood Kitchen Gardens.

"We're returning to our roots as a traditional farmers market," Duff said. "Our customers have told us what they value most about the market: fresh, local produce that they can purchase directly from the growers; a variety of unique and high quality food items from cheese to bread to jam to salsas and sauces; a fun, welcoming atmosphere where they can chat with their neighbors and find out what's happening around town. So that's what we intend to deliver. We have an established vendor base, and our goal is to build upon that base to bring even more of what customers want to the Farmers Market."

In addition to recruiting new vendors, Duff is looking for more involvement from local businesses and community groups.  A new feature of the Market, called "Your Community...At The Market" will reserve space each week for local non-profits and other community groups, providing them with a venue to connect with their audience and benefit from added exposure to the community. Local business owners can use the Market to promote their business, through exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities.

The Homewood Farmers Market also features a Touch of Green environmental program with electronic recycling, paper shredding, and more.

The opening day of the Farmers Market heralds the start of the gardening season in Homewood. Market-goers will find a full range of unique and heritage vegetable starter plants, hanging baskets, annuals and perennials, and even advice from local expert gardeners.

The Homewood Farmers Market kicks off on Saturday, May 24 and runs through Saturday, October 11, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Homewood Village Hall parking lot at 2020 Chestnut Road. Homewood's Pop-Up Shop is at 18065 Harwood Ave, May 24 through July 5. For additional information visit www.HomeSweetHomewood.com.