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Blue Skies in Grayslake for Its 2025 Outdoor Market Opening

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • Apr 13
  • 3 min read

Get a Sneak Preview of Our Upcoming Farmers Market Manager Feature


Photo by Ed Kugler
Photo by Ed Kugler

What does a farmers market manager do in between market sessions. If you're Ed Kugler, who runs the historic Ravinia Farmers Market in the north Chicago suburb of Highland Park, you check out other farmers markets around the region.


So it's time to share some news about a collaboration between Ed and Local Food Forum that will greatly expand our coverage of the farmers market scene around the Chicago area (and maybe beyond?).


Titled "Farmers Market Reporter," the series will feature 1-minute videos by Ed, managers of the markets he visits, and others who can do their own farmers market videos and submit them for publication.


This will fill a gap with which I've struggled since I launched Local Food Forum four years ago. Since day one, we've provided comprehensive market schedules and a travelogue of what's in season at the markets I can get to. But with more than 100 markets just in the Chicago region, reaching from the center of the city to its farthest exurbs, I just can't get to more than a fraction each year.


The Farmer Market Reporter feature will definitely expand our purview.


The program will be officially announced very soon. In the meantime, Ed sent in these photos from his visit Saturday (April 12) to Grayslake Farmers Market, located in the community of the same name in Lake County in Illinois' northeast corner.


[FYI: Ed and Ravinia Farmers Market are planning a BIG event that will take place this summer. Details coming very soon!]


If Grayslake isn't on your beaten path, keep scrolling to learn about a farm festival on Saturday, May 10 that will also give you the opportunity to visit the farmers market.

Selfie by Ed Kugler
Selfie by Ed Kugler

There's Ed on the left with Grayslake Farmers Market Manager Julie Jason.


Photo by Ed Kugler
Photo by Ed Kugler
Photo by Ed Kugler
Photo by Ed Kugler

Photo by Ed Kugle
Photo by Ed Kugle
Photo by Ed Kugler
Photo by Ed Kugler
Photo by Ed Kugler
Photo by Ed Kugler

Whether you live in northeastern Illinois' Lake County or would like to take a drive for spring fun on a farm, save the date of Saturday, May 10 for the Liberty Prairie non-profit's Spring Plant Sale and Farm Festival in Grayslake.


The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Prairie Crossing Conservation Farm, 550 Harris Road. Here are the details from the organizers.


Join Liberty Prairie and Grayslake High School District 127 for our annual Spring Plant Sale and Farm Festival.


Grayslake Central and North High School students grow the vegetables, herbs, and flowers offered for sale. We also partner with Possibility Place Nursery to offer a wide variety of native perennial plants, and Vermont Compost and DK Organics to offer organic mulches. Handcrafted garden items will also be available.


In addition to the plant sale, we have a slate of family-friendly activities planned for the day, including:


  • Sheep shearing

  • Farm wagon rides

  • Student-led farm tours

  • Feeding the farm animals

  • Student performances

  • Silent auction

  • Snacks, refreshments and more!


Finally, stop by the Community Gardens between 12-5pm to learn about home composting techniques suitable for gardeners. This program is part of International Compost Awareness Week, presented locally by the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County.


All proceeds support sustainable agriculture and education. Thank you for your support!

 


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