View from the Cab: Farmers markets underway

The 18th annual Illinois Product Farmers Market is underway for the season in Springfield.

The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds is the site. This market is held every Thursday through September 25, excluding June 19 and two Thursdays of the Illinois State Fair. Also, mark your calendar for the Illinois Product Fall Market on Saturday, Oct. 11.

All of the products sold are processed, produced or packaged in the state and space is available for anyone wanting to participate as a vendor during 2025.

Attendees can expect a welcoming and family-friendly environment packed with diverse vendors, a rotating selection of food trucks, cooking demonstrations and complimentary live entertainment. Weekly raffles return this year offering $10 in “Market Cash” along with an AARP Illinois Product Basket.

Every dollar spent in Link at the market will be matched by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. If marketgoers spend $25 in Link, they’ll receive an additional $25 to spend on fruits and vegetables. Visitors receive a free reusable Illinois Product Market bag to carry their local finds.

Don’t miss the Buy Local Prize Wheel for a chance to win prizes from Sky Zone, Harvest Market, AMF Bowling, Skateland, Yellowbird Coffee House, Illinois wineries and more.

The 2025 Illinois Product Farmers Market is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Illinois State Fair, AARP Illinois, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield Clinic, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association, LINKUp Illinois, Twin Willow Farms, Security Bank, Ayers Family Farm, U of I Master Gardeners, Office of the State Treasurer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Mines and Minerals, and ChiroOne Wellness Centers.

For applications, contact agr.farmersmarket@illinois.gov.  Follow Illinois Product on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.illinoisproductfarmersmarket.com for more information.