Oak Forest Farmers Market Is Talk of the Town

What started out as a one-time only turned into a resounding—albeit rainy—success that could be returning as early as next week. The market would run every Tuesday through October.

"It was a huge success," said Commissioner and event organizer Joe Conway. "I was just amazed. With all the rain we had today, people had every reason not to be there.

"I was simply amazed."

The day's stormy weather raised a few eyebrows of concern early on, as vendors called Conway worried about turnout and a successful sales day.

Then, one by one, Conway watched the vendors pull into the parking lot at the park district building. Around 3 p.m., the crowds started trickling in, umbrellas inhand.

The vendors started selling—everything from fresh produce, fresh herbs, fresh flowers, watermelons, peaches, corn, to homemade soaps, jams, olive oils, cheese, eggs, salsa, honey, teas and fresh bread. One veggie vendor even had to send a helper back for another truckload of veggies.

Then, another storm hit. Conway and the vendors hunkered down and waited it out, holding their breath about the turnout. But they didn't need to.

"The people were still coming!" Conway said.

The parking lots were packed, library parking lots were filled. People seemed to love the location. Next time, organizers will stress that library lots are for overflow parking, which they definitely needed.

"The vendors were ecstatic," Conway said. "A number of them sold out."

One vendor sold everything but two pies.

"The vendors pestered me all afternoon, with 'You're going to do this again next week, right? How could you not?'" Conway said."It really worked out well."

Conway hopes to bring the market back next week, but details are not confirmed yet.

What You're Saying

We asked our Oak Forest Patch Facebook fans: So how was it?

• Ann Torres-Kozicki: good, got a melon and some sweet corn
• Aunt Rogue: Great!
• Tricia Considine Newton: I thought it was pretty crowded when I stopped by. I bought a lot of fruit and veggies. I hope it continues in Oak Forest.
• Joan Hoye Bravo: Great farmers market! Can't wait to try the blueberry coffee cake that I bought. Yum I hope it will be a weekly occurance!
• Laura Burns Baldwin: Was very nice, got a lot of fresh produce at great prices. Had the green beans with dinner....they were amazing!
• Jeffrey Joseph: Lots of foot traffic! I hope it was worth it for the vendors, next year let's have it on a regular basis all summer. You've got to have something the community can count on every week!
• Barb Hanson: I think it would be a great asset to the community! I stopped by and got some great dip mixes and tried yummy oils!
• Joan Hoye Bravo: The dill dip was to die for!
• Erin Flynn Kowalski: Great produce and bakery items!! Should do it more often :)
• Felicia Sexton DePyper: Awesome! very Successful. The Pepper Parmesan & Garlic dip is Amazing, Oh and the home made Jerky, Yummy!!!
• Kimberly Colbert StMarie: It was great! I made a tomato &cucumber salad and cut up the melons for breakfast. I would love to see this regularly in OF. Bought my favorite Italian oil