Michelini family to open farmers market in Utica

Co-owner intends to begin operations around July 15

Country Kids Produce Market in Peru is opening a satellite business in Utica located south of the former ice cream parlor. Developers say they hope to open in mid-July when sweet corn is ready for sale.

Country Kids Produce Market, the Peru farmers market owned by Michelini family, is opening a satellite market in Utica.

Thursday, the Utica Village Board announced the Michelini family’s intent to build a structure on a lot south of downtown and south of the ice cream parlor on the east side of Route 178. The village then scheduled a doubleheader meeting of the Planning Commission and Village Board on Wednesday May 26.

“We’re just expanding our market permanently to be in Utica,” said Kelsey Brannan, co-owner of Country Kids Produce Market in Peru. “It’ll just be a spot for people to unwind after going to Starved Rock.”

Brannan said they hope begin operations around July 15, by which time sweet corn is ready for sale, and close for the season Oct. 31. The plans include a building with seating for diners to sample sweet corn and other produce (no alcohol will be sold) plus a grain bin gazebo.

Village engineer Kevin Heitz further stated the property will be protected from flood waters with what’s called a gabion basket wall. That’s a barrier composed of rock and fill in a mesh enclosure to buffer against flooding.

“They’re excited to become a part of the community,” Heitz said.

Brannan said the family planned for some time to open a satellite business in Utica, but plans were thwarted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.