Since Gloria’s Gourmet Meats became a new vendor, the farmers market is truly a one-stop shopping area. Gloria’s sells pork tenderloin, beef soup bones, Applewood-smoked bacon and breakfast sausage patties.
Winfield Chamber of Commerce sponsors the farmers market, which is open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in the Prairie Trail Shopping Mall at County Farm and Geneva roads. Fresh produce is provided by Tidey Farms, Stojan Vegetables, Gundersen Orchards and Noffke Family Farms. Shoppers also can find many nonfood vendors, such as Gingham Turtle soaps  and toiletries; Illusions jewelry by Cynthia-Anne; Double Lucky plush merchandise; and Juarez Boyd’s sewing nook, which features handmade matching outfits for children and American Girl or similar-sized dolls.

Special Olympics benefit
Winfield Police Department and Fox Bowl will present a night of food, fun and bowling to raise money for Special Olympics Illinois at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Fox Bowl, 1101 Butterfield Road, Wheaton. Cost is $25 per person at the door, which includes unlimited bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soft drinks. Cash bar is available. For more information, call the Winfield Police Department at (630) 933-7160.

Band talent search
Winfield Community Bank is considering a local battle of garage bands talent search as a one-night event at the close of the Good Old Days festival, which returns Sept. 4 to 7.
Three to four bands would be responsible for their own equipment and setting up. The winner, determined by applause from the audience, would receive $200. For details, call the Chamber of Commerce office at (630) 682-3712.

Outdoor dining
Within the neighborly confines of Winfield, residents can enjoy outdoor dining at three fine restaurants: the newly landscaped Caliendo’s Restaurant and Bar, corner of High Lake and Winfield roads; John’s Restaurant and Tavern, 27W482 Jewell Road; and Brian’s Charhouse, 27W371 North Ave.

Get growing
Winfield Area Gardeners will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the home of Christine and Robert Petitti. A program on “Fall Colors and Winter Interest” will be presented by Stephanie Dalton of Planter’s Palette. The location of the October meeting will be announced at a later date, but the program will be given by Karla Lynch of The Morton Arboretum, discussing “Ornamental Grasses.”

Lunch canceled
Because of an unexpectedly low number of reservations, combined with a weather prediction of an exceptionally hot and soggy afternoon, the Winfield Chamber Board of Directors voted July 14 to cancel its networking lunch planned the next day on the patio of John’s Restaurant and Tavern. Those who had made reservations were notified as soon as possible, reported the chamber. In its place was a Winfield Cruzin after business hours event in Mary’s Room at John’s Restaurant. The Cruzin series features dozens of classic cars various Mondays between 6 and 9 p.m. The luncheon was not the first time a chamber meeting has been canceled. “Several years ago, we canceled a meeting for the very same reason,” said Rich Bysina, the chamber’s executive director.

Festival news
The Winfield Chamber has been notified by Steve Govertsen, director of the Community High School Band of West Chicago, that the school’s marching band and color guard will participate in the Good Old Days parade, which steps off at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7. Among other highlights of the festival, Boy Scout Troop 575 will man the Underhand Free Throw Contest. Winfield Flower Shoppe will host an Art Show from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5.

Christmas bingo
Outdoor temperatures hovered around 90 degrees, but inside Sebahar Hall in St. John Church, it looked a lot like Christmas. It was the annual Young at Hearts Christmas in July bingo meeting. Coordinator Kathy Skrobutt and husband Len covered the buffet and serving tables with brightly colored holiday-patterned tablecloths. The centers of each table boasted red and green placemats covered with hand-drawn Christmas cards created by St. John School students. St. John’s pastor, the Rev. Frank Vitus, gave the invocation. Decorated and lighted miniature Christmas trees graced the buffet and serving tables, where members and guests enjoyed a fabulous lunch. Joann Busch made a chicken casserole. Carol McPheters served a platter of fresh fruit. Jean Borusik made her ever popular mini hot dogs wrapped in dough. Kathy Skrobutt served sausage and sauerkraut prepared in a slow cooker. Len called the numbers for bingo. Members could opt to bring wrapped gifts for prizes. The next Young at Hearts meeting will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, with lunch served at noon. Because it is the hottest part of summer, members are asked to bring cold salads and appetizers for a refreshing menu.

Final concert
The last Summer Concerts in the Park performance will be 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, in Creekside Park. Banjo Buddies, a Dixieland show band, will perform. This is the fifth year Winfield Community Bank has sponsored the free outdoor concerts, which are set in Creekside Park near the gazebo, 0S221 Winfield Road. The site is east of Winfield Road and south of Winfield Creek.