Published July 26, 2017
There is no better way to start a brisk summer morning than a walk to the local farmer’s market. The smell of fresh produce, freshly made bread, and the local food hot spots pulling you in. To celebrate these wonderful markets a whole week has been dedicated to them. August 6th – August 12th is National Farmers Market Week.
Farmers markets date all the way back to 1730 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. When the city was first built the city planners designated a 120 square foot lot in the middle of the town as the “Lancaster Central Market.” Year after year, the market grew. Evidence shows that at one point there may have been as many as 400 vendors! If you visit Lancaster today you may still hear the phrase, “Meet me at the Market.”
After the market was built in Lancaster the citizens saw how important it was for day to day life. The markets were such a staple that from 1818 until after World War 1 several “curb markets” sprung up around the town of Lancaster. Local farmers and merchants would attend these “curb markets” and sell their goods out of wagons.
Today farmers markets are just as popular as they were in in the 1800s. There are more than 8,000 farmers markets open throughout the United States! Farmers markets today may look a little different, however, they are still providing fresh produce, meat, and locally made items to their communities.
Looking for a local farmer’s market to check out during National Farmers Market Week? Find a market near you listed below.
– Samantha Sullivan, RDN, LDN
Monday:
Loyola University Chicago Farmers Market – 6550 N. Sheridan Rd. 3 – 7 pm
Tuesday:
Lincoln Square Market; 2301 W. Leland Ave. 7am – 1 pm
Wednesday:
Ravenswood Farmers Market; 4900 N. Damen Ave. 4-8 pm
Thursday:
Hyde Park Farmers Market; 1520 53rd st. 7 am – 2 pm
Friday:
IMAN Fresh Beats and Eats Farmers Market; 2744 W. 63rd St. 2 – 6 pm
Saturday:
Englewood/Anchor House Market; 76th St. & Racine Ave. 10 am – 2 pm
Sunday:
Pilsen Community Market; 1800 S. Halsted St. 9 am – 2 pm
