Community Corner
Bonjour! Western Springs' French Market Reopens Today
Fresh produce, flowers, cheeses and more are available from local vendors.
With the warmer weather finally beginning to cooperate, it’s time to once again enjoy Western Springs' French Market. The popular local market opens today and runs every Thursday through October 28, from 2:00–7:00 p.m. The market is located on Hillgrove Avenue in front of the historic Water Tower– just west of the intersection of Wolf Road and Hillgrove Avenue.
“The market has been in Western Springs for about nine years and we have the capacity for 30 vendors,” reports market Supervisor Paula Gleason. “They sell everything from produce, flowers, herbs, olives, pickles, cheese, meat, fish, popcorn, and breads; andvarious bakery items, jams, jellies, crepes, jewelry, art and crafts.”
According to Gleason, the vendors are open rain or shine to welcome community groups and local residents.
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“My kids love the French Market because we always buy fresh kettle popcorn that they eat while we walk up and down the long aisle of booths,” explains Diana Whelton of Western Springs. “I can't seem to leave without buying jewelry for myself or as gifts. I love the convenient location near the downtown shops, which means we can walk to the market, then stop downtown for ice cream on our way home. It offers a little bit of everything in a unique setting.”
Katie Phelan, a mother of three in Western Springs, also enjoys supporting the French Market. “My kids and I love walking to town and picking up fresh produce and meats to grill for dinner,” says Phelan. “We always see friends we know along the way and my husband and I both feel good about helping local merchants.”
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Bensidoun USA (the local entity is French Market of Chicago, LLC) operates more than 80 markets throughout the Paris metropolitan area and brought their successful model to the United States. According to their website, “by bringing the French Market to the United States, Bensidoun USA brings the sense of community found in the markets of France, providing community residents with a place to gather, socialize and purchase quality goods at reasonable prices.”
