‘Tis the season: Farmers markets open in DeKalb County

SYCAMORE - Kirstie Ruckoldt strolled through green plants and colorful flowers Tuesday afternoon while shopping at vendor booths with her two children, 7-year-old Keilah and 9-year-old Silas.

Ruckoldt’s unique shopping experience was the first Sycamore farmers market of the 2021 season, held at its new location, Blumen Gardens.

“It’s our first-ever Sycamore farmers market, and we’re excited to see what the vendors have to offer,” Ruckoldt said. “I like supporting local whenever I can.”

Sycamore’s farmers market is held at Blumen Gardens, 403 Edward St. in Sycamore, 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays June 1 through July 27 and 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 3 through Sept. 28. Sycamore’s farmers market will have between 10 and 13 vendors each week.

Shelby Huffman, the events and marketing assistant with the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, described the farmers market as “a way to support small, local businesses in town who in turn support the local economy.”

“Our farmers market is as genuine as possible, with farmers, growers, artists, makers and bakers selling unique finds,” she said.

DeKalb’s farmers market is held at Van Buer Plaza, at the corner of N. Second and Locust streets in DeKalb, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays June 3 through Sept. 23. The farmers market will feature an average of 25 vendors each week, as well as food trucks and the Live Lunch Music Series in partnership with the Egyptian Theatre.

“I think people are excited to get outdoors again and attend farmers markets,” said Virgina Filicetti, market and events manager with the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. “Our market will be held outdoors, with fresh air and lots of space. People can visit while on their lunch break, do some grocery shopping, spend time with friends or family or just browse and shop. … It’s great that the market is held in downtown DeKalb, where they can also stop at shops and restaurants, take a stroll and check out what DeKalb has to offer.”

The DeKalb farmers market accepts cash, credit and debit cards and the Illinois Link card. It also offers a Link match program, doubling the money spent on Link cards up to $25 on fresh produce.

“It’s a way to make healthy, fresh food accessible and available to everyone,” Filicetti said.

Nancy Perrotta of Maple Park, owner of Little Red Truck Apiary, sells honey and different products made from beeswax at the Sycamore farmers market.

“I love farmers markets because you get to meet people,” she said. “You can be outside, it’s shaded by trees, and you’re surrounded by flowers. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon, strolling around from vendor to vendor.”

Jill Franke of Sycamore, owner of Tin Shed Farm, sells goats’ milk soap, beeswax products, jam, honey, granola, granola bars and dog treats.

“I look forward to farmers market season every year,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to get product in front of people, see customers and meet other vendors.”