In celebration of National Farmers Market Week, the Peoria Heights Farmers Market is going all out with a few “extras” to sweeten the appetites of those who prefer their food fresh and locally grown, sold by those who do it with a smile.
The market runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Aug. 11 – and every Thursday thereafter through September – with up to 30 vendors showing off and selling their wares behind the Pabst Building in the Heights, 4541 N. Prospect Road.
Beyond the usual array of vendors -- farmers and specialty growers, sellers of handmade items, the drink booths (the 33 Room, Water’s Edge Winery, Saturday Morning Tea Co. and Yeni’s Palarte), food
trucks and more – this week will feature a watermelon eating contest, set to kick off at 3:15 p.m. with a “shotgun start.”
Walk-ups are welcome – you’ll need to sign up on site in advance, no later than 3 p.m. – but expect there to be a few celebrities on hand, including local business people, restaurateurs and maybe a few surprise contestants. There is no entry fee, but there are cash prizes -- $30 for first place, $15 for second, $5 for third. Fauber’s Produce out of rural Spring Bay in Woodford County has generously partnered with the market to supply the watermelons.
“It is all about speed,” said market co-organizer Julie Bielfeldt. “First one to finish their generous slice wins!”
As they say, “you’ve gotta seed it to believe it!”
Beyond that, the market will host a scavenger/bingo contest with drawing prizes, and anyone who wants a Heights Farmers Market sticker tattoo will be able to get one.
Peoria Heights brought back its signature farmers market in late May after a seven-year absence, and it has been going gangbusters ever since.
Follow the Heights Farmers Market on Facebook, come out for the fun and good weather, and hope to see you on Thursday!