Back for its third year, The Evanston Farmer & Artisan Food Market will open for the off-season on Dec. 7 at the Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd. The market is expanding, adding a heated tent that allows for 15 more vendors, giving the market a total of 40.
The purpose of this market is to extend the selling season for local fresh produce and meats and to provide local food artisans with a place to sell their products during the winter months.
The fresh produce from local farmers will include root vegetables, lettuces, spinach, kales, herbs, mushrooms, apples and pears. Farm-fresh eggs and cheese, organic and free-range meats, including buffalo, will also be available.
Artisan breads, pastries, chocolate truffles and ice cream, all produced locally will be for sale. Prepared foods include grass-fed stuffed meatloaf, chili, soups, tamales and empanadas. Goat’s milk soaps, hand-spun yarn, knife-sharpening and organic herb teas round out the selection.
Vendors include Lake Breeze Organics, Nichols, Endless Greens, Organic Pastures, River Valley Ranch, The Cheese People, Michigan Blueberries, C & D Family Farms, Patz Honey, Passion House Coffee Roasters, Crust & Crumb, Pet Chef, Sheeker Delights and many other local food artisans.
The market will continue on Saturdays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through April 26, 2014. More information is available by contacting Dennis Clarkson, Winter Market manager at dclarkson2534@aol.com or 847-864-7238.