For years, the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce has sponsored the Kewanee Farmers Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in Berrien Park in downtown Kewanee.
Area growers bring a variety of seasonal produce to the market, offering the freshest fruits and vegetables. However, the Farmers Market isn’t just about produce. Shoppers can find an assortment of baked goods, fresh flowers, local honey, homemade crafts, hand-sewn and crocheted items and seasonal gifts.
The Kewanee Farmers Market committee has announced that the market schedule is expanding.
The Saturday market will be the same as in past years. It will be 8 a.m. to noon starting May 16 and will run through Oct. 31. And the Wednesday market will have a new look.
Wednesday’s will now be an evening market accompanied by food trucks from 4-8 p.m. and musical entertainment from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday Farmers Market, food trucks and music will begin June 3 and will run through Sept. 30.
Diane DeMay, of the Kewanee Farmers Market committee, said she hopes the evening sessions will catch people getting off of work or others wanting to stop up for a bite to eat and hopefully, shop the market.
The Kewanee Farmers Market is seeking local musicians to fill the 6-8 p.m. slots on Wednesdays. Talented musical artists are asked to reach out to the Kewanee Farmers Market on Facebook to be put on the schedule.
According to DeMay, local musician Tom Campbell has offered to bring sound equipment the last Wednesday of each month for an open mic night.
“So if you only know a song or two, feel free to show us your talent at Open Mic Night,” she said.
The hope is that the farmers market will bring people downtown in the evening, something that was a regular event when downtown stores were open at night.
“We’re trying to regenerate and get people out,” DeMay said.
Farmers Market shoppers can check the Kewanee Farmers Market Facebook page to see photos of the produce, goods and craft items that are being offered that day.
Some of the rules for vendors at the farmers market:
— All vendors must be from within 60 miles of Kewanee.
— All crafts must be handmade. Food products must be farm-grown or home-baked. If produce is being sold from another produce vendor, they must display where they are from.
— Vendors pay a fee of $20 for four sessions or less, or $40 for the whole season.
— Each vendor will have about 100 square feet of space for their display. Shelters or canopies are recommended, as there is little shade in the park.
— Prices must be displayed, and vendors must comply with regulations of Illinois and the Henry County Health Department.
Guidelines for the farmers market have been distributed to vendors. More information to become a vendor for the Kewanee Farmers Market is available from the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce at 309-852-2175.
Vendors who want more information on health regulations, including what products may be displayed at a farmers market and what may not, can contact the Henry County Health Department at 309-852-0197.
