Do get fresh
The Farmers’ Market was originated by the Lemont Junior Woman’s Club in 1998 and was eventually taken over by the village. Each year, hundreds of people flock to the market in Budnik Plaza for fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, bakery goods and plants. Dawn Dentzman, executive director of the Lemont Area Chamber of Commerce, hopes to see the market become even more successful. “Awareness of what Lemont has to offer is half our battle,” she said. “Getting the residents and surrounding communities to realize these offers is the second battle.”

Size doesn’t matter
Lemont’s annual Farmers’ Market is fairly small, with only about 10 regular vendors. But don’t let its size fool you into thinking it’s not worth the trip. “We’re not a shopping center, but we have everything,” said vendor Karla Zandstra from Zandstra’s Produce in Lynnwood. She has been bringing vegetables to sell at the market for more than 10 years. “As the season goes on, the market gets more and more stuff and it gets very busy because people know we’re going to have what they want,” she said.

No rotten tomatoes here
The market gets rave reviews from the locals. Joan Christensen moved to Lockport from Lemont a few years ago, but still comes back each year for the market. “The produce is wonderful,” she said June 30. “And (I) like to see the vendors.” Lemont residents Alex Spran and Sue Jozefiak were there to pick up some fresh melons June 30. They regularly visit the Lemont Farmers’ Market. “We love it,” Jozefiak said.

Gardening for dummies
Twice a month, master gardeners attend the Farmers’ Market to distribute literature and give tips on home gardening. “They answer any questions about trees and bushes and flowers,” Zandstra said.

Just the facts
Lemont’s Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the Downtown Commission and the Downtown Merchants Association, is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 27, at Stephen and Canal streets. For more information, call the village at (630) 243-2700.