Lake Zurich Heritage Farmers Market Is Back

Organic plants, fresh-cut flowers and locally grown fruits and vegetables are just a sampling of what will be offered at the Lake Zurich Farmers Market, which will be held at Lions Park, 81 E. Main St. 

The market is returning June 17 after a five-year hiatus.

Market Manager Rob Boyce, who proposed bringing back the market, has joined forces with the village, the and the . 

“I’m excited to get this event going again. I think the time is right and there is more interest in healthy lifestyles and more vendors out there to make it a success,” said Boyce.

Among the vendors who already have signed on are Lake Zurich resident Jim Mauck who will be selling locally grown herbs and fruits and vegetables grown by Kirsten’s Garden of Kildeer.

Lake Zurich Florist will provide fresh-cut flowers, and Natural Environments Green Houses and Nursery, also of Lake Zurich, will sell annuals and perennials in addition to fresh vegetables.

Boyce said additional vendors are in the process of signing up and more are wanted. Downloadable applications are available at http://www.lzacc.com/chamber_events.php, or you can pick up one at Village Hall, 70 E. Main St. 

Last held in 2006, Boyce said the farmers market location was moved a couple of times to increase attendance, but participation remained low, so it was not continued.     

“What we really needed was to get it back to downtown Lake Zurich,” Boyce said.

In addition to strong participation at the market, the goal is to draw residents and visitors in to the village to support other local businesses.

“The farmers market is a great addition, especially downtown. It is always one of the goals to bring people in to hopefully stop at a restaurant or do their shopping here,” said Dale Perrin, president of the .

The nearby promenade, the lake and parks in the area also can be enjoyed, along with the market, once summer weather arrives.

“We’re thrilled to have the farmers market coming back to the village; this is another small step in growing the downtown area to become more pedestrian-friendly and to become a gathering place for residents and visitors,” said Village President Suzanne Branding.

The Lake Zurich Heritage Farmers Market will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays, June 17 through Sept. 2. The market will be closed July 22 during Alpine Fest.

“We chose Friday afternoons because we felt people would be winding down their work week and preparing for the weekend, so it would be the perfect time to stock up and just enjoy the weekend,” said Boyce.

“These kinds of events are what is going to help bring downtown back to life," Boyce said.