🥕 A guide to local farmers’ markets

Did you realize that Illinois ranks #3 in the nation for number of farmers’ markets with more than 8,000?

While some markets in our area got off to an early start and several won’t open until June, it seems like a good opportunity to compile a list so you know what’s coming.

Tri-Cities Farmers’ Markets

✅ Batavia Farmers’ Market: The 30th season of the Batavia Farmers’ Market kicks off on Saturday and runs through October 26 on North River Street between Wilson and Spring Streets. New this year will be a Wednesday evening Farmers' Market on North River Street between Wilson and State Streets.

Hours: 8AM-12PM on Saturdays | 5-8PM on Wednesdays

✅ Geneva French Market: A true early bird, Geneva’s farmers’ market has been held every Sunday since April 14 in the parking lot across from the Metra station. They’ve got a great selection of textiles and gifts in addition to produce and baked goods.

Hours: 9AM-2PM on Sundays (through November 17)

✅ St. Charles Farmers’ Market: Held at Baker Memorial Church at 307 Cedar Ave., the outdoor market typically opens the first week of June (they have an indoor market during the offseason).

Hours: 8AM-1PM on Fridays (through October)

Other nearby farmers’ markets

• Aurora Farmers Market: Open 8AM-12PM every Saturday from June 1 through October 5 at 65 Water St. in downtown Aurora.

• Campton Square Farmers Market: Open 8AM-1PM on Wednesdays from June to September. Located at the southeast corner of Rt. 64 and LaFox/Burlington Rd.

• Farmstand at Rustic Road: Open 9AM-2PM on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 1N 292 Brundige Road in Elburn (they have goats, too).

• Downtown Elgin Farmers Market: Open 3-8PM on Fridays from June 7 to October 11 at Spring Street between Chicago and Fulton streets.

• Wheaton French Market: Open 8AM-2PM on Saturdays now through October 26 at the intersection of Reber Street and Liberty Drive.

• Winfield Farmers Market: Open 7AM-1PM on Wednesdays starting in June at 27 w 171 Geneva Road.

More markets, more better

The list above is by no means comprehensive. Some other useful tools:

• An interactive map showcasing all the farmers’ markets in Kane County.

• Search and filter this database of community and roadside markets across the state (and country).

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

🎓 Grad gifts galore at The Little Traveler

What’s the biggest difference between a home-run gift and a total dud? A great gift is not only thoughtful, it’s unforgettable — and it shows that you’ve been paying attention.

With a vast selection of constantly changing treasures, The Little Traveler is the local spot to find unique, memorable gifts for the important people in your life.

Take graduation gifts, for example. You could give cash (boring), but doesn’t a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment warrant something exceptional? 

From useful college gear to unique jewelry and mementos, The Little Traveler’s got special items that will turn an ordinary “congratulations” into a cherished memory.

💥 Bonus: Get fresh updates about new products, special events and more by following The Little Traveler on Facebook and Instagram.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Foam news: After investigating the foam discharge recently found in Batavia’s Mahoney Creek, IDPH determined that “adverse health effects are unlikely.” 

☑️ Geneva development: A consultant has recommended the city approve construction of a new Verizon cell tower on Randall Road. A public hearing on the topic is scheduled for May 23.

☑️ Local well-being: Kane County will draw from a fund of $5M to award grants to community partners that are investing in our area’s health system. See if your organization qualifies and apply here.

☑️ Retail crime: A Chicago woman was charged with three felonies after being arrested for retail theft at the Chicago Premium Outlets off I-88.

☑️ Quiet tribute: The Kane County Coroner has interred the remains of 29 unclaimed individuals (view their names here), which means their next of kin hasn’t been identified. A memorial service will be held on May 30.

🔒 Driving awareness: Following the discovery of a human trafficking operation and the rescues of eight women, local leaders called for a more open dialogue at a Kane County summit on May 11.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Memorial Day: As the community prepares to celebrate Memorial Day next weekend, make sure to plan ahead for events in Geneva and St. Charles that will require road closures.

☑️ Project brewing: Batavia has initiated a police facility modernization study to assess if the city requires a new facility or if renovating the existing one would suffice.

☑️ Ready for anything: A new Kane County “youth preparedness” class will instruct kids on how to best respond to emergency situations, including first aid and CPR training.

☑️ Heroes for health: Members of Batavia RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) provide vital help to seniors who are struggling with healthcare costs. Learn how they’re making an impact.

🎸 Live music 

After a multi-month absence from the local live music scene, Art History Brewing is storming back to the stage with not one…not two…but THREE performances this weekend.

The occasion? They’re celebrating their four-year anniversary.

As always, we’ve got dozens of other shows lined up for your perusal. Enjoy the patio music, my friends…we only get a few months of this.

🏬 Local biz

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☑️ Back in action: The Batavia Boardwalk Shops just celebrated the first weekend of their 2024 season. Meet the 10 business owners participating in this year’s program.

☑️ Destination comedy: The Chi-Town Comedy website featured a glowing write-up on Batavia’s Comedy Vault, describing it as “a world-class comedy club in a quaint midwestern town that no one can pronounce correctly.”

☑️ Local realtors: One Source Realty celebrated a ribbon cutting in Geneva on Friday.

🗓️ Events + things to do

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☑️ Cop on a Rooftop | Friday, 5AM-12PM | Dunkin Donuts | Local police officers will be perched on the roofs of Dunkin shops in Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles as part of a Special Olympics fundraiser. See all participating locations here.

☑️ Butterfly Release Party | Friday, 3-6PM | Peck Farm, Geneva | Celebrate the opening of the butterfly house, which will remain open for the season to the public starting Saturday morning.

☑️ Plant sales | Saturday, 8AM-2PM | Geneva + STC | The Geneva Garden Club and Gray Willows Farm will both be holding plant sales on Saturday.

🎟️ Moose Fest & BBQ | Saturday, 2-10PM | Batavia Moose Lodge | An all-day live music fest with a pig roast — proceeds benefitting Mooseheart.

🎟️ Pancakes for Ponies | Sunday, 8AM | STC Moose Lodge | Snag a hearty breakfast then enjoy a raffle and live music while helping local horses.

🎟️ Countryside Clays for Kids | Sunday, 10:30AM | STC Sportsman’s Club | Attendees enjoy lunch, 50 sporting clays targets + ammo, an auction/raffle, a souvenir t-shirt and a reception.

☑️ Discover Historic Batavia Walk | Sunday, 2-4PM | Batavia Library | See 10 newly installed plaques while learning about the unique 189-year history of Batavia.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Deal of the day: Did you know that Foxfire in Geneva offers impressive specials just about every day? For example, today you can get a New England lobster roll for $16.95 or a 10-oz prime rib for $26.95.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌩️ Today: High 73F | Low 56F | Late storms

🌦️ Friday: High 77F | Low 57F | Warm + showers

🌤️ Saturday: High 79F | Low 58F | Basically summer

🌤️ Sunday: High 81F | Low 56F | RealFeel 86

📖 Thanks for reading!

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