18th annual Illinois Product Farmers Market underway at state fairgrounds

Monday, May 19, 2025 at 9:42 AM

By Staff report

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced the 18th season of the Illinois Product Farmers Market at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

The first event was held last Thursday.

"The opening of the farmers market is the unofficial kickoff of summer," said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. "Mark your calendar now and make plans to join us every Thursday through September for fresh, local products, live entertainment and Illinois wine."

IDOA will match every dollar spent in Link at the Illinois Product Farmers Market. If marketgoers spend $25 in LINK, they will receive an additional $25 in LINK Match to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Marketgoers can find The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds by entering Gate 3. Parking is located across the street.

The 2025 Illinois Product Farmers Market is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Illinois State Fair, AARP Illinois, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield Clinic, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association, LINKUp Illinois, Twin Willow Farms, Security Bank, Ayers Family Farm, U of I Master Gardeners, Office of the State Treasurer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Mines and Minerals, and ChiroOne Wellness Centers.

Attendees can expect a welcoming and family-friendly environment packed with diverse vendors, a rotating selection of food trucks, cooking demonstrations, and complimentary live entertainment. Returning this year are weekly raffles offering $10 in "Market Cash" and an AARP Illinois Product Basket.

The Illinois Product Farmers Market will be held every Thursday through September 25 excluding June 19 and the two Thursdays during the Illinois State Fair. The Illinois Product Fall Market will be held on Saturday, October 11.

All products sold at the Illinois Product Farmers Market are processed, produced or packaged in the state of Illinois. Space is still available if you are interested in participating as a vendor at the 2025 market.

For applications, please contact agr.farmersmarket@illinois.gov. Follow Illinois Product on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.illinoisproductfarmersmarket.com for more information.