Farmers Markets Returning in Aurora

The Midweek Markets of Aurora’s Farmers Market return this season with the freshest local fruits and vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads and much more.

The West Side Market opens at noon, July 8 at West Aurora Shopping Plaza, 1901 W. Galena Blvd., and will run every Wednesday from noon to 5 p.m. through September 30. It features loads of local produce including just picked sweet corn and juicy melons. New this season is Jones Packing with a wide selection of beef, chicken and pork products processed locally in Harvard, Illinois. Other new vendors include Bettina’s Coffee and Tea, Kelly’s Dollar Baked Goods and Sweet Passion Soaps.

This year’s West Side Market opens an hour earlier at noon, allowing early bird patrons time to enjoy a lunch-time treat from ready-made food vendors like Wurst Kitchen, Mona Lisa Wood-fired Pizza, Georgie’s Hot Dogs, and Dick’s Mini Donuts as they browse the market.

Across town is the East Side Farmers Market opening July 9, and running every Thursday from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Our Lady of Mercy Church, 701 S. Eola Rd., through August 27.

The East Side Market features many new vendors offering the highest quality goods and produce for health- and eco-conscious families. Enjoy local Black Angus beef from Riskedal Farm, local and organic vegetables, herbs and plants from Six Generations and Kenny G’s Organic Veggies, weekly CSA delivery from Belly Fire Farms; plus local honey, vegan handmade soaps, cloth diapers and more. Plus, keep the kids entertained with live music and face painting at the East Market for a fun and relaxing shopping experience unlike any grocery store.

The West and East Side Farmers Markets compliment Aurora’s signature Downtown Market, the oldest in the State of Illinois. It is staged from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through October 17 at the Aurora Transportation Center, 233 N. Broadway Ave. (Route 25). (There will be no market July 4.)

This year, all three of Aurora’s Farmers Markets offer even more great value, with the Double Value LINK Program featuring up to $25 free to spend on LINK-eligible items. Shoppers are encouraged to stop by the Aurora’s Farmers Market tent located at each market to learn more about redeeming their SNAP benefits for use at the Market and opportunities to double their grocery dollars every week.

For more information on Aurora’s Farmers Markets, call 630-256-INFO, or go to https://www.aurora-il.org/events/farmersmarket.php.