The Illinois Products Famers’ Market is back in its full glory following an abbreviated season last year due to concerns over COVID-19.
The market, which has everything from baked goods, to crafts, to fruits and vegetables, is comprised of all Illinois products and is open Thursdays from 3:30 – 7 p.m. at the Shed within the Illinois State Fairgrounds complex. (The only exceptions are June 9th, for a motorcycle exhibition, and the two Thursdays during the 2022 Illinois State Fair.)
“It’s a little taste of the State Fair all summer,” said Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. And why shouldn’t it be, since it’s in her own backyard.
And there is a lot of State Fair fare indeed: Culler’s Fries, Lemon Shake-ups, and Cozy Dogs . . . mini doughnuts . . . BBQ. And the list goes on.
Inasmuch as the market is a sort of preview of the Fair, a pair of dinosaurs (pictured) were roaming the grounds at Thursday’s market, to pose for pictures and preview an exhibit coming this August.
Live music, kids activities, and an assortment of vino from Illinois wineries round out the experience, one which Krista Lisser with the Illinois Department of Agriculture says is a great way to get a head start on summer weekends.