The Village of Homewood’s Outdoor Farmers Market is set to return on Saturday, May 31, and will run every Saturday from 8 a.m to 1 p.m. until Oct. 11.
According to Antonia Steinmiller, community engagement manager for Homewood, the market will be bigger than previous years, featuring not only an average of 40 vendors, but up to 50 vendors on select dates.
The vendors will offer a variety of products, from fresh produce and baked goods, to handcrafted jewelry and skincare, plus much more, Steinmiller said.
Food trucks and ready-to-eat meals also will be available. Other entertainment will include live music and free activities for kids, she said.
Homewood’s new Market Manager, Christine Banks, is bringing exciting changes to the table this year.
“She has a lot of experience in community events, and is working on making our farmers market amazing!” Homewood Events Manager Marla Youngblood said in regard to Banks.
Before moving to Homewood with her husband in 2023, Banks was a part of the design and review commission for six years in her previous community, she said.
Banks was then appointed to the Homewood Appearance Commission within a month of moving to the village. The following year in 2024, she joined the board of directors for the Homewood Historical Society, she said.
In her free time, Banks is a children’s book author, and her works can be found at the Homewood Public Library, she said.
“I was interested in being more involved with the village so when I saw that this position was available to manage the Farmers Market, I thought it was a fantastic opportunity,” Banks said, adding, “my goal here is to help the Homewood outdoor Farmers Market to receive the recognition that it deserves.”
In order to do that, they are expanding the market this year, she said.
“Every other month, once a month, we’re going to expand the market. Normally it’s on Martin Square, but we’re going to expand it onto Chestnut. That’s going to allow us to include more artisan vendors,” Banks said.
There will be a list posted weekly of participating vendors, since some will be full-time and others will be part-time, she said. It will be posted on the village’s Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as the village app.
“There will also be additional activities for kids this year, with Serendipity Yoga and karate with Woori Taekwondo & Hapkido Academy,” Banks said.
People are also welcome to bring their furry companions along.
“We will also have visits on select dates with four-legged friends from Fido’s Landing Dog Rescue,” she said.
“Whether you’re coming for the sourdough, staying for the coffee, or grooving to some Saturday morning tunes, the Homewood Farmers Market offers something for everyone,” Steinmiller said.