Wednesday, May 8, 2013

May 18: Aurora Farmers Market kicks off 101st season this May at Train Station


The City is teaming up with the Fox Valley Garden Club to offer a sneak peek of the 2013 Aurora’s Farmers Market during the Garden Club’s plant sale on May 18 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway.

The event will introduce the faces of the market’s local producers and allow patrons the opportunity to meet local farmers, growers, and purveyors.  Plus, patrons will have the first chance at all the early spring produce fresh from the farm including asparagus, rhubarb, lettuces and more.  They will also learn about the new additions, changes and upcoming special events planned for the 2013 season at Illinois’ Oldest Market so that the community can continue to ‘eat fresh, buy local, and be well’.

At the same time, the Fox Valley Garden Club’s annual “Gardeners’ Plant Sale” will offer an endless variety of annuals, perennials, bedding plants and much more.  The event also marks the first ever “Tomato Day” in Aurora.  The first 500 kids will receive a free cherry tomato plant to take home and nurture. 

Aurora’s Farmers Market also continues to seek Aurora area youth and non-profit organizations to participate at all of the Farmers Market locations this summer.

Through the market’s Young Entrepreneur’s Program, youth will have the opportunity to sell handcrafts, homegrown fruits and vegetables, and other products they produce.  They will not only earn money for their products, but will also learn valuable social and business skills, including marketing, merchandising, and networking in a fun and interactive environment. 

To participate in the Aurora’s Farmers Market Young Entrepreneurs Program, youth must be 15 years of age or younger and able to work the booth, count money, and perform other essential duties; be accompanied by an adult at all times; all products offered for sale must be grown or produced by the participant(s); and they must follow all market rules and any applicable Health Department regulations.

Participation is limited to up to 4 days per location, including a $5 fee per day.

Interested youth, clubs, or groups in the Aurora area, should call 630-256-3370 or email farmersmarket@aurora-il.org for more details.

All three locations of Aurora’s Farmers Market are ideal for sharing community information as well. Local non-profits have the opportunity to host a table to promote their organizations, conduct fundraisers, and publicize upcoming events. With thousands of patrons visiting the market, it offers a great chance to involve community members in the many projects of local non-profits.

For consideration, organizations should email information to farmersmarket@aurora-il.org.  

Aurora’s Farmers Market promises to be bigger, better and more vibrant than ever in 2013 with many new amenities and initiatives at all 3 locations:

·      Aurora’s Farmers Market Downtown at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway, Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 Noon, June 1 to October 19.

·      Aurora’s Farmers Market West at West Plaza Shopping Center, 1901 W. Galena Blvd., Wednesdays from 1 to 5 p.m., July 10 through September 11.

·      Aurora’s Farmers Market East at Our Lady of Mercy Church Catholic Church (Next to the Eola Community Center), 701 E. Eola Rd., Thursdays from 1 to 6 p.m., July 11 to August 29.

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