The Aurora Farmers Market opened for the season on Saturday at Water Street Mall in the city’s downtown where hundreds of shoppers were eager to get some early-season produce – from farm-grown tomatoes and asparagus to strawberries – plus artisan honey, baked goods and more.
The weekly farmers market – featuring 60 vendors and live music – began in 1912. This year’s market marks the 115th run of what is considered the oldest farmers market in Illinois, city officials said. It is open from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays through Oct. 3. It will not be open on Saturday, July 4.
Christian Kelly and Roseann McGinnis, of Oswego, were intrigued with strawberries paired with barbecue sauce at the market.
“Our big thing is to support local vendors,” Kelly said. “By visiting farmers markets we can also experience the culture of an area.”
Newcomers and loyal customers were at the Eau Claire, Michigan-based Lopez Farm’s fresh produce stand at the market operated by Ralph Lopez.
Adam and Emily Higbee, along with their 4-year-old son Walter, recently moved to Aurora from Maryland where they were accustomed to outdoor farmers markets.
“There is a big farmers market scene in Maryland,” Adam Higbee said. “The locally-grown produce is far more delicious.”
Lori and Jerry Dwornik, of Batavia, picked up asparagus, carrots and corn-on-the-cob from the Lopez Farm stand, but they also like to engage in conversations with members of the family-owned operation.
“We have gotten to know the Lopez family over the years,” Lori Dwornik said. “We’ve been able to pick up a little bit of the Spanish language and they’ve even shared some of their recipes with us.”
Mary Biernacki of Aurora is a loyal fan of the farmers market and a longtime gardener.
“I have been gardening since the age of 5 with my grandmother. I’m encouraging my grandchildren to grow vegetables in the garden. Fresh produce is better for you,” Biernacki said.
Nelson Saenz relocated to his hometown of Aurora after farming in Michigan. On Saturday, he offered free plants and seed packs at the market to encourage people to be aware of what they are eating and how fresh leafy produce and berries grow.
Saenz is so passionate about informing people about gardening that he opens his 10-acre farm in Campton Hills for tours to raise awareness of gardening and composting. He grew up in the 900 block of South Downer Place in Aurora and has been gardening since his youth.
“People are surprised to see how asparagus and berries grow. I have partnered with my neighbors and other groups to bring free plants and seed packs to the market,” he said.
“There’s no profit involved,” he said. “We just want people to get gardening. I want people to be passionate about gardening and feel rewarded about what they are growing.”
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
