Grayslake Farmers Market Draws Loyal Crowds

"I drive into Grayslake every week to come to the Farmers Market," said Michelle Lavelle of Wadsworth. "I love all the variety. The vendors are all great."

She was just one of many happy shoppers out Wednesday at the Summer Grayslake Farmers Market.

"Our focus this year is to provide a stable shopping environment for the visitors," said Julie Jason, operations manager/vendor relations.

"We are keeping our vendors in the same locations so that shoppers know where to find their favorite items easily," she said.

New this year is having the children's area and music in Centennial Park, next to Emil's. 

"It works out well to have all the kids activities here," said Jason.

Kids enjoyed getting balloon animals created by Ryan Freeman, dancing to music and hula hooping.

"It's a lot of fun to come here," said Randy Duchane of Grayslake, as her kids and a friend had a balloon octopus made for all of their heads. 

Evelyn, 10, and Ella, 8, and MJ, 6, Duchane thought their new hat was funny. They and their friend Madeline Mussay, 9, of Grayslake, tried to walk with the balloon tying them together.

"It's hard to walk with this on our heads but it's cool," said Evelyn Duchane.

Steve Sarich, president of the Grayslake Farmers Market, said that they want to offer family activities as well as great vendors. They have nearly several vendors who are participating in the three Grayslake Farmers Markets, through Spring, Summer and Fall, from April through December.

The Grayslake Farmers Market is the oldest evening market operating in Lake County, according to their website. It is also the first market in Lake County to operate markets 38 weeks out of the year. Summer remains the most popular season.

"We typically have about 2,000 people come through during the Summer Market," said Sarich. 

He praised local business sponsors for supporting the market, including , , , and .

"We also have businesses joining in from outside of the downtown area, like Karma Spa, and Strang Funeral Home," Sarich said. "We are fortunate to have a diverse business sponsorship. We couldn't be happier with the support of the , and the business community."

The Summer Grayslake Farmers Market runs on Center Street in Grayslake each Wednesday from 3 - 7 p.m. Visit www.GrayslakeFarmersmarket.com for more info.

Jason said vendors who participate in all three seasons of the Grayslake Farmers Market include:

• Geneva Lakes Produce
• Lester's Bison Farm
• Maggie's Munchies
• All About Appetizers
• The Cheese People
• Wild Flour Bakery
• Wildtree
• OLIVES 4 YOU
• Farmer Nicks LLC
• little europa
• Pampered Chef Lori Fuller
• The Meat Goat
• Soap of the Earth LLC
• Glunz Family Winery and Cellars
• River Valley Ranch