With the village fathers and mother moving to summer hours -- limiting us to only a monthly exposure of municipal democracy -- a bi-monthly feature has been cut in half.
Yes, much in the same way that the sparrows return to Capistrano, the buzzards to Hinckley and the Cubs bullpen can't hold a lead, residents who attend Village Board meetings can count on Trustee Andrew Stein to pitch the Farmer's Market.
Neither rain nor snow, nor gloom of night can keep Stein from promoting the Farmer's Market. But wait, the June meeting is not until this Monday, which is after the first Farmer's Market, truly something that may toss Stein into a vegetative state.
Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Realizing this potential crisis, I decided to check into the status of the Farmer's Market. For the record, the event runs from this Sunday (June 16) through Oct. 6 (but not Labor Day).
So what's the attraction to a Farmer's Market? Vegetables, obviously. Fruits obviously.
Find out what's happening in Buffalo Grovewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
It's the other stuff that is intriguing. I happened to stop by the Farmer's Market last year -- for reasons unbeknownst to me. Aside from running into a myriad of neighbors and residents, it was fun seeing what else is available at the market -- freshly made basked goods, freshly roasted coffees and other unique stuff -- and I'm not talking gutter guards or siding.
I did not, however, find domesticated live stock, such as goat or yak, so my search will continue.
Beyond the usual items, the organizing committee (time for the gratuitous plug) is planning more than the usual.
Entertainment including Radio Station 104.3, which will broadcast music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.
And what would be a Farmer's Market without, so say the organizers, farm and vendor offerings including gourmet fresh and dried exotic mushrooms, salsas, barbeque and hot sauces, packaged soups and dips, cookies and cake pops, truffles, safflower oil, balsamic vinegars, brownies, marshmallows, caramels, brittles, granolas, pickles, giardinieras, muffulettas, fresh made donuts, kettle corn, snow cones, lemonade, honey, maple products, flowers, organic veggies, artisan cheeses, butter, veggies, fruit, coffee beans/fresh brewed iced and hot coffee, meats including pork, beef, chicken, and turkey, eggs, jams and jellies, gourmet pastas, mustard, heirloom mini veggies, breads/ muffins/cookies/pastries.
And of course, the ever popular dog biscuits and treats and knife sharpening will be available. Seriously,
On a charitable side of things, visitors to the Farmer's Market will be able to support local food pantries.
And since we're talking growing things, the Buffalo Grove Garden Club will be selling gloves and plants. Now if they want to make some real money -- how about selling local scare crows. How about celebrity scarecrows -- modeled after, say, the Village Board. Talk about scary.
The Buffalo Grove Farmer's Market is at 951 McHenry Road between Buffalo Grove Road and Deerfield Parkway at Mike Rylko Community Park in front of the Spray 'n Play.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
