MPAC Vice President Samantha HertelThe McKinley Park Farmers Market, a successful community program restarted in 2016 by the McKinley Park Advisory Council (MPAC), is returning in 2017 with an extra month's worth of fresh produce, goods and entertainment. Run entirely by community volunteers, the market will expand to cover 17 Sundays running June 4 through September 24.
Lead market organizer and MPAC Vice President Samantha Hertel said farmers and other vendors have again expressed interest in participating, and that the market is looking to expand to also offer prepared foods such as baked goods. "The market will still be primarily fruits and vegetables, though," she said.
Another hallmark of the 2016 farmers market relaunch was regular performances by local musicians and cultural groups, as well as special, themed market days such as the Hawaiian luau. "The market plans on continuing to be a platform for social interaction and entertainment," Hertel said. Any entertainers who are interested in performing should contact entertainment manager Dayna Calderon by sending email to dayna@daynacalderon.com.
More vendors are actively being sought for the 2017 farmers market. The three main requirements to be a vendor are to provide a complete application (available below), to hold both an Illinois sales tax license and to hold a commercial liability insurance policy, Hertel said. Any potential vendors with questions can contact Hertel and the MPAC by emailing chicagompac@gmail.com.
The farmers market vendor application and rules and regulations are available by clicking on the following links:
McKinleyPark_FarmersMarket_VendorApp_2017.pdf347.88 KB
McKinleyPark_FarmersMarket_RulesRegs2017.pdf203.22 KB
As in 2016, market vendors sales will be integrated with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program and support transactions through the Illinois Link card. Also like 2016, the market's location in front of the William McKinley memorial will stay the same, as well as the 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday schedule.
This volunteer-run event is always seeking more helpers, Hertel said, noting this is a great way to give back to the community, meet your neighbors and have fun. High school students who need to fill accredited voluteer hours are especially welcome; any volunteer can voice their interest by emailing chicagompac@gmail.com.
The Mexican Folkloric Dance Company performs at the August 21, 2016, McKinley Park Farmers Market.
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