June 20th is officially the first day of summer and with it comes the start of farmers market season. Farmers markets are a great opportunity to buy fresh, in-season produce and directly support local farms. Farmers markets help build community, support the local economy, strengthen our local food systems, and promote sustainable agriculture. Buying directly from local growers gives consumers the opportunity to try different varieties that they wouldn’t find at the grocery store and discover new fruits and vegetables to love. But most importantly, they’re just fun! Below you’ll find a list of all the farmers markets in our four-county area. If I’ve missed any, please reach out using my contact information below so I can update this list!
Bureau County
Ladd Farmers Market: Mondays, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at War Memorial Park.
Princeton Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Soldiers and Sailors Park.
LaSalle County
Grand Ridge Farmers Market: Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 190 W. Main St.
Streator Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Streator City Park.
Ottawa Farmers & Makers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Jackson St.
Mendota Farmers Market: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 700 Main St.
Other markets:
Friday Night Market: Friday, June 21, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Spring Valley Mini-Park
Valley Fresh Harvest: Online farmers market based in Ladd
Emily Hansen is a Commercial Agriculture Educator with University of Illinois Extension, serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Emily provides research-based educational programs that empower growers to make sustainable choices on their farms.