Straight from the Farm? You Betch'ya!

We strive to be a producer only farmers market, and you may wonder what does that mean? Basically we try to ensure that what you buy at the market was made, grown or raised by the person you are buying from. The best way to do that is to go visit our vendors where they work and for many of them, that is where they live.

Our adventures have taken us from northern Illinois, to just over the border in Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. From the long, straight rows of peppers at Red Barn farm to the meandering lines of lettuce at Providence Farm to the fields of corn at Patyk Farm we have seen it all. Along with the fruits, vegetables and livestock we have heard some great stories, because those farmers can spin a yarn! We also know how many of these families have been on their land for generations. Andy Blankenship told us as we drove through the fields, how his grandfather had planted a grove of trees. Apple trees do not normally produce for that many years, but through hard work and a lot of love these trees are giving us fruit you get to eat at our market.

John Patyk recently told us how his dream of owning a farm finally came true when he and his wife took the plunge and bought their first acres only a few years ago. Growing up around farms they both took to it like bees to honey...which is another story about our Bee Keeper, John Bailey, whose father taught him the ways of bees and how to keep a happy hive. Which reminds us of the story about Eric Benhart and how he and his father raise those cows, pigs and chickens on open land to bring grass-fed and free-range meat to our market. Which reminds us of how Barb at Albo Acres tends their heard of alpacas; who they then shear to bring the yarn and knitted wear to our market. Which reminds us about, oh well you get the idea...there are so many farmers who bring so many different treasures to our market each week.

This week, when you come shop the market, take a moment to talk with a farmer, ask them a few questions and you'll get a good story to take home along with the corn, peaches and zuchini.

What's special this week at the market? John Patyk and Jilly Bean are our featured vendors and they will be bringing something special to each of their booths, come see! John is planning to bring chicks from the farm and Jilly Bean has a buy $15 and get a free gift special for today only!

So stop by 6210 Dempster, Saturdays from 8am to 12noon to shop and meet your producers. As is every week, there are prepared foods to eat, gifts to buy and fruit, veggies, meat, eggs, honey, granola, donuts and more! We also have live music and the Kiddie Corner with free facepainting and FUN!

For more information look up mgfarmersmarket.com or like us on Facebook.