Farmers Market Gets Fresh Start in Oak Forest

Oak Forest residents will have a small taste of what could come next season with a one-time only farmers market Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the .

Commissioner Joe Conway has grown the idea into a 15-vendor event, featuring jams, jellies, fresh vegetables, flowers, fresh dairy and more. With a successful lineup of vendors planned for the market, the rest is up to the residents. Without shoppers and foot traffic, vendors might not be enticed to return.

"The recurring theme we've heard is that the vendors give you one try," Conway said. "If the foot traffic's not there, they won't come back."

With a list of varied goods and vendors, Conway hopes the park district will give residents plenty of reasons to swing by. Vendors and goods include: Colleen's Pastry Lab from New Lenox, Mama Luigi pasta and sauces, Sutsser's Greenhouse (with fresh mums!), Norm's Vented Bee Cove with honey products, and oils, dressings, marinades from Annie's Oils. A week before the market, Conway was still working to add to the list. He's hoping for a successful re-introduction of the market to the community.

"I'm really excited for it," Conway said. "It's something I've heard my friends and neighbors talking about."

Conway's effort to revive the market is a spin-off of Oak Forest's local . Local gardeners are welcome to bring their home-grown produce to the market to sell, Conway said. 

A successful farmers market would bring in tax revenue for the city, Conway added.

"The city will support it, and if it gets big enough, even move it to 159th Street," Conway said. "That will come with time.

"It's going to take a little time and a lot of effort to make it happen."

Oak Forest Farmers Market
Tuesday, Aug. 23
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
south end of parking lot