No global pandemic can come between Evanstonians and their beloved farmers markets. After two permit denials by the city of Evanston and an outpouring of public support in its favor, Evanston’s traditional final farmers market of the year for 2020 returns from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 21 in the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, 1427 Chicago Ave. (at Greenwood Street).

For at least 20 years, Immanuel Lutheran Church has hosted a farmers market on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. This very popular annual event could not take place in its proper home this year, due to very real Health Department concerns about indoor gatherings during this pandemic. 

The all-outdoor market at First Presbyterian will be a pandemic-year-only event to allow the farmers who were counting on this final market an opportunity to sell their products, and market customers to stock up on local food.

Vikki Proctor, president of Friends of the Evanston Farmers Market said, “We must do our part in protecting our fragile food system. Farming has always been a dicey business; now is the time to send our farmers into the winter knowing they’ll always have a future in Evanston.”

Terra Brockman, writer and sister of farmer Henry Brockman, says, “My brother Henry (Henry’s Farm), and many other local farmers, rely on the pre-Thanksgiving Market as our last chance to allow our Evanston friends to stock up not only on holiday foods, but on staples like potatoes, sweet potatoes, winter squashes and other vegetables that will keep well for many months. It’s also a wonderful celebratory market as we express gratitude to all of the people who have continued to support us even during this difficult year.”

Vendors at the Nov. 21 market include Adam’s Acres, Cocina Azteca, Henry’s Farm, J2K Capraio Farmstead Dairy & Artisan Creamery, Lake Breeze Organics, Mint Creek Farm, Organic Pastures, River Valley Ranch, Soul & Smoke, and The Talking Farm, with more to be announced.

The market is organized by Lisa Gordon of Lisa Gordon Events, an event planning firm based in Evanston. She volunteer to plan this market as a service to the local community and to the farmers who feed it. Wild Onion Market, the food co-op start-up in the Evanston/Rogers Park area, is the sponsor of the event.

All Health Department guidelines will be followed at this event. Face coverings will be required, along with social distancing. Capacity limits will be enforced, so patrons should dress warmly and expect to wait in line to enter the market.

The most up-to-date information on the market can be found at http://lisagordonevents.com/wp-blog/.