.png)
Meet Contributor Ed Kugler at His Ravinia Farmers Market
- Bob Benenson
- May 30
- 3 min read
Historic Market in Suburban Highland Park Opens Wednesday
Regular readers of Local Food Forum have been seeing Ed Kugler's name a lot. A 47-year veteran of the Chicago region local food scene, Ed this year has been traveling to markets all over the area and has shared his findings here in his Farmers Market Reporter series. We're grateful, because his photos greatly help expand the reach of this publication.
He does have an important day job, though, as manager of Ravinia Farmers Market in the Chicago North Shore suburb of Highland Park. The market has its season opener this coming Wednesday (June 4) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will be open for your local food fun into October.
Explaining it all is the following press release, which also highlights the market's very special event coming up on August 20 at the nearby Ravinia summer concert venue.
———————————————
Midweek Market, Full-Flavor Finds
47th Annual Ravinia Farmers Market Season Brings Fresh, Local Goods to Highland Park
The Ravinia Farmers Market kicks off its 47th season on June 4, bringing the best of the Midwest to Jens Jensen Park every Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 29th. Shoppers can explore a wide selection of farm-fresh produce, organic goods and artisan foods while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
Each Wednesday, market vendors offer a variety of local and organic seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisan baked goods, plants and cut flowers, specialty foods, and regionally produced items, all sourced from small farms and makers committed to sustainable practices. Grab-and-go food selections, local nonprofits and community organizations round out the event with booths, community yoga and more.
Marketgoers can also enjoy weekly live musical performances from area musicians. This year’s market features three accomplished artists in residency–Mark Dvorak, Pierce Crask and Jeff “Jazzman” Justman–along with an eclectic weekly selection of jazz, folk, roots, Americana and more. Live market music is sponsored by the Highland Park Community Foundation and Life Rhythms, Inc.
Special Event on August 20 – On Wednesday, August 20, celebrate local flavor and live music at the first-ever Organically Grown Ravinia Farmers Market & Bluegrass Night, a special evening event on the beautiful Ravinia Festival grounds. Select from curated farm-fresh produce, artisanal foods and beverages to accompany a night of bluegrass under the stars.
The August 20 evening concert begins at 4:00 p.m., including performances by Lucky Pickers, Noah’s Jam Jam Bourrée, and Almond & Olive before the Henhouse Prowlers headline the night, taking the stage around 7:30 p.m.
“The August 20 Organically Grown Market will feature products that include at least one ingredient grown according to recognized organic standards,” says Ed Kugler, Market Manager. “Our goal is to spotlight these curated vendors so visitors can learn about their products and visit them at other markets they participate in. It’s also a chance to meet the makers, hear their stories, and discover what makes their offerings so special.”
General admission tickets for the concert are $30 and can be purchased at Ravinia.org.
For more information on the weekly market, vendor opportunities and the August 20 event, visit Ravinia Farmers Market.com. Vendor applications are currently being accepted for the August 20 Organically Grown Market & Bluegrass Night as well as the general season. Interested vendors can email ravinia1978@gmail.com for more information.
Comentários