Press Release - Friday, May 09, 2025
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18th ANNUAL ILLINOIS PRODUCT FARMERS MARKET KICKS OFF MAY 15
Family fun, delicious food and prize giveaways planned
SPRINGFIELD, IL - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) invites everyone to celebrate the 18th season of the Illinois Product Farmers Market, beginning Thursday, May 15, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
"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."
What to Expect on Opening Day:
- Delicious Eats: Grab backyard barbecue from Nuthatch Hill BBQ, pizza and Italian favorites from Leo's Pizza on Wheels, and sweet treats from Johnnie O's Mini Donuts.
- Family Fun: Enjoy Touch-A-Truck, free balloon animals, face painting, yard games, and meet animals from the Henson Robinson Zoo and Springfield Park District.
- Entertainment: Rock out to live music by Not Petty and take part in giveaways from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
- Shopping Specials: Be among the first to snag limited-edition Illinois Product Market hats, cups, and shopping bags—while supplies last!
- Prize Drawings: Stick around for prize drawings featuring gift cards, event passes, and more! (Must be present to win.)
Every visitor will also receive a free reusable Illinois Product Market bag to carry their local finds.
Plus, don't miss the Illinois Product Buy Local Prize Wheel for a chance to win prizes from SkyZone, Harvest Market, AMF Bowling, Skateland, Yellowbird Coffee House, Illinois wineries, and more - including an AARP Illinois Product Basket packed with goodies from market vendors!
Schedule of Events:
3:30 p.m. - Market Opens & Touch-A-Truck begins
4:00 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Kids' Activities Begin
4:30 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Balloon Artist & Face Painting Begin
5:00 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Live Music from Not Petty
5:30 p.m. - Prize Drawing / Official Ribbon Cutting
6:00 p.m. - Prize Drawing
6:30 p.m. - Prize Drawing
7:00 p.m. - Final Prize Drawing
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 starting May 15 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.
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