Farmers’ Markets relocate to park at Higgins/Long

The Jefferson Park “Sunday Market,” which features produce vendors, crafters and food trucks, is moving to Jefferson Memorial Park at Higgins and Long avenues. The first market of the season will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 9, followed by markets on June 23, July 14 and 28, Aug. 11 and 25, Sept. 8 and 22, and Oct. 13 and 27.

Previously held at the Copernicus Center, the Sunday Market is entering its third season. The new location in front of the park’s historic fieldhouse will allow for a tranquil setting, as families can drop by on their way to the park’s pool or playlot. The park, whose southern boundary is Lawrence Avenue, is also a block from the CTA Blue Line Jefferson Park stop.

Admission to the Sunday Market is FREE. The type of vendors at each market will vary, but in the past vendors have offered organic fruits and vegetables, cheese, meats, fresh baked goods and plants.

The June 9 market will include a plant swap, and a City of Chicago horticulturalist will be on hand to answer questions, and plans call for pumpkins to be available in October. The July 28 market will be held in conjunction with the Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival, which will be held July 26 to 28 in the park.

The market started in 2011 when a group of dedicated residents worked with the Copernicus Foundation, Jefferson Park Chamber of Commerce and Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association. With hardly a budget to work with, volunteers were in charge of promoting the markets, recruiting the vendors, scheduling entertainment and other activities, and setting up each market.

In 2012 JPNA president Merril Miller received the chamber’s community service award for her leadership in running the markets.

This year’s markets are sponsored by the JPNA, the chamber, Chicago Park District, Jefferson Memorial Park Advisory Council, Nadig Newspapers, State Senator John Mulroe, State Rep. Rob Martwick and Alderman John Arena (45th). For more information, please call the chamber at (773) 736-6697. Visit jpna.net or jeffersonpark.net