Elmhurst Farmers Market Growing the right way

market_69_EDIT

By Larry Atseff | Photos by Victor Hilitski

Every Wednesday from June to the end of October in the Vallette/York business district at 105 E. Vallette, dozens of honest-to-goodness small – – and some large – farmers offer their fresh-picked fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, and other homemade delights. Eager residents fill the parking lots from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and drive back home, knowing they have helped themselves to delicious ingredients, produce, and other goods – while helping hard-working entrepreneurs.

Behind the scenes, Adam Krzemkowski has slowly but surely, grown the Elmhurst Farmers Market from seven farmers to 37 over the last ten years.

He said, “I screen all the farmers, using maps and coordinates to ensure they run real farms. One of my favorites is Spartan Gourmet Foods. This farmer grows his olives, processes them in Greece, and ships them here to the United States. He has a nice business going.”

He added, “Most farmers have just a few acres, but others, like Nichols Farm & Orchard in Marengo, have over 250 acres and do big business.”

In addition to running the Elmhurst Farmers Market, Krzemkowski also operates South Town Hot Dogs, so he understands what it is like to operate a small business. It is next to the Farmers Market and has been a family business for thirty years.

Local businesses like Gramex (Great American Exteriors) can also participate. “As far as I am concerned, this has turned out to be a win-win for everyone, including the local businesses, and I really enjoy it,” he said. ■

Author

Concertmaster Rika Seko steps into the spotlight.

The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra

Old paper on a grunge wood background

Charred Oak Brook: Stop in to sample Le Meridien’s private label bourbon

1COVERDownersGroveMagazine_Jan_-Feb_2025-4

Teen Trailblazer Ava Dorsey & Ava’s Pet Palace

EH-JAN_2025-Cover-2

Center Stage: Broadway’s Anthony Michael Lopez

OB_JAN-2025Cover_RP-1

Blazing Courage: Oak Brook Fire Department’s Adam Eboli

Feature-Photo-1-1

Spring Road Winter Fest

OakBrook_Beautification-1

Village News: Investing in Our Future Through Beautification 

Feature_CHEF-IAN-1

Chef Showcase: Local Flavors

THE VOICE -- "The Battles Part 5" Episode 2611 -- Pictured: Tate Renner -- (Photo by: Casey Durkin/NBC)

Gone Country: Hinsdale graduate brings Music City to Hollywood on “The Voice”

Elmhurst-Magazine-January-2025-1

The Elmhurst Express: The legend of Fred Lorenzen

Launch-Page-Photo-warm-coats-4-e1736474456922-1

Staying Cool while Warming Up

LIZZIE-1

Isyanov takes second in the state after missing junior year with a back injury