The Clarendon Hills Farmers Market is set to return for its eighth season on May 16th and will be held every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 16 at the Village Hall Plaza, 1 N. Prospect Avenue. Ru. Nine vendors participate each week.
Starting in 2017, the farmers market, sponsored by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce, spent its first four years in the Sloan Triangle at Prospect and Park avenues. We moved to Village Hall Plaza in 2021.
“Farmers markets bring something special to downtown Clarendon Hills,” said Shannon McDonald, chamber of commerce events manager. “We strive to provide opportunities for residents to source fresh food staples for the week in a social, community-focused environment.”
Returning vendors include Labanway Farms of Berrien Center, Mich., which has been an anchor in the Clarendon Hills market since its first year.
This year, nine vendors have been established each week to sell a variety of products, which is a significant increase from the original two vendors in the market's first year.
LaLaVanway Farms carries a selection of fruits, vegetables and plants, with a growing selection throughout the summer.
Also returning to Clarendon Hills is Hearn's Bakery in Geneva. Although it is famous in the village for its donuts, it also sells several other bakery products. The Hahn family has run a bakery business for over 25 years.
Spartan Gourmet Foods is another returning vendor and will feature Greek olive oil and olives.
Scheduled to open for the fourth year in a row are Aztec Catering, which features guacamole and frozen Mexican food, and Plainfield's Hoofendick Farm Market, which sells organic chicken and eggs. Maly's Foods will be offering his vegetable egg rolls for the second year in a row.
Joining the 2024 Farmer Market is The Cheese Lady, which has several locations in Michigan and has been in business since 2004. Lincoln Land Kettle Corn and Boa Acai, a food truck serving Brazilian-inspired dishes.
McDonald said she is excited to welcome Shaver and Cutie Juice to this year's farmers market. Both are part of the Young Entrepreneurs Programme.
Along with our vendors, the Farmers Market also offers the following services: Join us for a workout at Market, a free workout at 7:15 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month at Burlington Plaza, presented by Barre3 and Just Life Fitness. The Clarendon Hills Public Library will host storytime for children on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. outside the library located at 7 N. Prospect Avenue.
Village Mayor Zach Creer said the farmers market is an amenity to the community.
“Thursday mornings will increase the flow of people downtown and enhance the overall atmosphere downtown,” he said. “To our surprise, the most positive feedback we get is from our growing number of downtown business employees who love being able to stop by on their lunch breaks.”
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for the Pioneer Press.