Downtown Kankakee Farmers Market

Kankakee Farmers' Market

Farmers' Market The Kankakee Farmers' Market is now in its 13th year in Downtown Kankakee. From humble beginnings the market has grown to a premier market featuring over 20 vendors in Spring, and over 30 vendors in Summer with a variety of fresh produce, plants, flowers, breads, meats, baked goods, olives, cheeses, concessions and other specialty items. In addition to being a place to buy fresh local food the market has become a central gathering place for the Kankakee area on Saturday Morning as relaxing live music and friendly conversation creates a welcoming atmosphere. We invite you to join us each week or as often as you can.



Market Facts:

  • The Kankakee Market is one of the only in the state of Illinois to have shopping carts available to use.
  • The market draws vendors from the rural areas around Kankakee, others from Chicago and farmers bring fruit from Michigan.
  • The University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners program provides expert volunteers to answer garden related questions at the market weekly.
  • The Kankakee Market started in 1998. To this day our farmers have a strong voice in the direction of the market.
  • The Kankakee Farmers' market is operated by the Kankakee Development Corporation with the cooperation from the City of Kankakee and a host of community minded people and organizations.

Upcoming 2011 Market Season

Some Special Dates for Farmers' Market 2011. Check back often for more details!

  • April 30 - First Day of Spring Market (hours 8am-noon) & World Tai Chi Day @ Market
  • May 7 - River Valley Recycling, Music by Rebecca Rego
  • May 14 - Music by Jacqueline Sylvie
  • May 28 - First Day of Summer Market (hours 7am - noon), Music by Heartland Bluegrass Band
  • June 4 - Relay for Life Event
  • June 11 - Jane Wheel Vegetable Memorial Weekend - Sharon Fiffer Book Signing
  • June 18 - Meet the Enterprise U Finalists, Paint Recycling Day, Music by Jacqueline Sylvie
  • June 25 - Salute to Ag & Local Foods Breakfast, Music by Lupe Carroll
  • July 2 - Electronic Recycling, Music by RA Brass Quintet
  • July 9 - Library Family Fun Day
  • July 16 - Community Foundation Day, Music by Heartland Bluegrass Band
  • July 23 - Health Fair
  • July 30 - Music by Rebecca Rego
  • August 6 - Hispanic Arts and Heritage Day for Education, Electronic Recycling
  • August 13 - Sweet Corn, Music by Jacqueline Sylvie
  • August 20 - Pro Chef Challenge
  • August 27 - Amateur Chef Challenge
  • September 3 - Electronic Recycling
  • September 10 - Seniors' Day, Music by Spirit of Illinois Barbershop Quartet
  • September 17 - Memory Walk, Shred Day sponsored by Shaprio Credit Union
  • September 24 - Zonta Empowerment Walk
  • October 1 - Electronic Recycling, Music by Heartland Bluegrass Band
  • October 8 - Music by Rebecca Rego
  • October 15 - Music TBA
  • October 22 - Music by Heartland Bluegrass Band
  • October 29 - Final Market, Music by Jack Avery's Kin

2011 Kankakee Farmers' Market Vendors

Concessions

  • Bulls Pit Smoked BBQ
  • Kettle Corn (Summer/Fall)
  • Sackett's Bakery
  • Sisters of Notre Dame
  • The Pie Lady
  • Tongue Lashers
  • Turtle Acres
  • Windy City Fudge (Summer/Fall)

Past Market Seasons

Pictures from the Amateur Chef Challenge held Saturday, August 22nd.
Check out the write up at MyKankakeeCounty blog for more pictures and find out who won!