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Community Corner

New Variety at This Year's Farmer's Market

A rundown of what to expect at Orland Park's farmer's market, which starts today.

As summer approaches, so does another seasonal event here in Orland Park, the farmers’ market.  Every Friday morning (except August 5th for Taste of Orland) from 7:30 am to 1:00pm beginning June 3rd until October 7th, vendors gather on the grounds of the Village Center just south of the Civic Center at 14700 Ravinia Avenue to sell their goods.  You will find fresh baked Artisan bread, fruits, vegetables, flowers, crafts and gourmet foods as well as a vast variety of other items. 

New Vendors

Along with the vendors of years past, a sprinkling of new vendors will make their Orland Park Farmers' Market debut.

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According to Patty Vlazny, the Special Events Manager for the Village or Orland Park, there are 8 new vendors this year in addition to the 32 that have returned.

One of the new vendors this season is Rich's Sharpening Service.  Owner, Rich Mikula, will sharpen your lawn mower blades, scissors, kitchen knives and more while you shop. The prices for his services are very reasonable and listed on his website.  Mikula says that "most items take no more than 30 minutes to finish."

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Another newbie on the scene is Simply Salsa.  Owner and Orland Park resident, Jennifer DeLess, offers fresh, organic salsa and she says "I use fresh ingredients, nothing artificial and no sugar added.  I hope to grow my own peppers and cilantro this summer for a super fresh salsa."  She will be offering samples to those who wish to try the salsa before they buy.  You may remember her from the back in January where she was featured in the salsa portion of the competition.  She will offer a 16oz of salsa for $5 and the salsa will last up to one week, refrigerated.

Other new vendors this year are Book, Beads and Baubles, Catch the Sun With Stained Glass and Double Dot Design.

Fruits and Vegetables

Of course, the main attraction at the market is still the fresh produce.  Returning farmers include McCarthy's Farms.  Their farm stand along 159th Street is a favorite of local residents and offers some of the best sweet corn and tomatoes around.  Munson Produce and Walt Skibb Farms will also be returning to the delight of their loyal customers who eagerly await them.  New farmers this season are Kap Farms and Tomato Mountain Farm

Bring the kids

To help keep the kids happy, a free moon jump and face painting will be available at the market.  The Orland Park Public Library will be hosting a Story Time as well and will be there from 10am to 12:30pm. 

The Orland Park Green Tent will have a free kids' activity and learn how to help our environment within our community. Orland Park resident, Tracy Pelini, frequents the Green Tent and says “I love that the village is taking action toward being a more environmentally responsible community.”

Plants and Flowers

If you are looking for something to spruce up your garden or even grace your table as a centerpiece, then you must check out the following vendors at the market:

Anything Orchids owner, Don White, who operates a greenhouse in Frankfort, will be on hand with beautiful orchids and houseplants of all kinds.

Bock's Greenhouseowned and operated by Gary and Char Bockover, will have many varieties of annual and perennial flowering plants available for purchase that are sure to make your garden look fabulous.

Jim Melka Garden Center, another town favorite, will offer many beautiful, quality plants for purchase.

Lunch

Waiting for your knives to get sharpened?  That will give you just enough time to stop by Farmer Frank's for a delicious barbecue lunch. They will be serving hot dogs, burgers, brats and chicken sandwiches as well as chips, pop and cookies.  All proceeds from the barbecue lunch benefit local charitable organizations.

Check out Breadsmith for fresh baked artisan bread.  Fantasy Isle will offer up baked goods as well.

Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef and Homemade Gourmet representatives will be there too and will surely have something to make your next meal a bit more exciting.

Fashion Items

Lisa Brown, owner of IN.PURSEinators, has been a vendor at the market for 7 years and said "I look forward to seeing my customers year after year and cannot wait to show off my new selection of purses, jewelry and gemstone sandals."

Debi Behl will also be there with Charm Yourself Italian Charms.  She will have a large variety of customized bracelets and key chains for purchase.

Avon and Mary Kay representatives will be there for your convenience as well.

Farm fresh fruits and veggies, fabulous vendors and more all conveniently located right here in town. See you this Friday, or another.

When: Friday mornings, June 3rd through October 7th (except for Aug. 5), 7:30am to 1:00pm

Where: Village Center, 14700 Ravinia Avenue

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