Farmer’s Market open through end of season

By Carly Niceley

Produce growers in the area share their products in the Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 1 to 6 p.m. on Palmer Court in downtown DeKalb.

The Farmer’s Market begins every year in June and stretches until the end of harvest season in October.

Barb Pondelick, a produce grower since 1980, said the produce is especially tasty this time of year.

“The high heats and humidity this summer [have] been good because we made sure we watered a lot, so the combination has made the sweet corn and melons really sweet,” Pondelick said. “And we still have a lot of nice things coming in right now.”

Pondelick has worked as a vendor selling fruits and vegetables at the Farmer’s Market since the market began about 10 years ago.

The Farmer’s Market receives items from farmers in many surrounding counties, with the farthest produce coming from Bloomington.

“The farmers have agreements with other farmers to get the product that they need,” said Jennifer Groce, executive director of the Farmer’s Market. “Everything is fresh and straight from the farm. They really benefit because it supports the local farming economy.”

With the drought that spread over the area this summer, the Farmer’s Market has been lacking in vendors and even customers.

“All our vendors are down this year, and with something like this, the trends are always going to be up and down,” Groce said.

Vendors and products range widely from fresh-cut flowers, homemade wines, organic and vegan vendors to just about any kind of pastry that comes to mind. In addition to food, a variety of arts and crafts are available.

One vendor offers organic baked goods, which means the products are grown or produced without chemicals or pesticides.

“Our products are a bit different because we offer baked goods that are dairy-free and egg-free, and we also have soy-free and wheat-free options,” said Chuck DeMaio, owner of Sunny Day Bakery. “We get a consistent amount of … returning customers and we really like the Palmer Court location.”