The weather we’ve been having has been crazy beautiful and last Saturday at the Market was no exception. Everyone must assume the Market is finished for the year because the crowds were unusually thin. Perhaps everyone was tailgating. Either way, Champaign-Urbana residents don’t know what they’re missing this time of year. Colorful carrots, outstanding squash and pumpkin, apples, broccoli and cauliflower, fennel, potatoes, sweet potatoes, peppers, leeks, herbs, celery, etc. I could go on and on. Did I mention beets? The baked goods are extra enticing on a cold morning, and go great with a warming cup of joe from the City tent.
Unfortunately, this perfect weather has come to a bitter end as I write these words, but don’t let that stop you from checking out the Market this Saturday. After all, it is your last chance for this year. May 2, 2009 is the start up date for next spring, one week earlier than usual, and I look forward to the new vendors Lisa, the market director, will bring in next year. Until then we should all shop the Holiday Market put on by the Urbana Business Association.
The Holiday Market takes place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., November 15 through December 20. The market will feature over 50 local merchants including farms, unique artists, craftsmen and many of the vendors we have gotten to know and love throughout the season. Unlike last year, this Holiday Market will include jewelry vendors, which shall round out the shopping nicely. Along with Art Mart, Piato Cafe, Common Ground Co-op, and the other local shops in Lincoln Square Village, the Holiday Market will be a great, convenient place to spend your Saturday mornings, shopping for holiday feasts, gifts and get togethers. Following is a (long) list of attendees:
- 3rd Career Art Glass
- A.W.A.R.E.
- Cary’s Garden
- Claybank Farms
- The Cousin’s Dog Biscuit Co.
- Geil Homestead
- Jerry Rhoads Wood Turning
- Long Ago and Far Away Creations
- Manrique Photography
- Moore Family Farm
- Queen Anne’s Lace
- Reece Glass
- Firefly Jewels
- Danville Gardens
- Hand Crafted Stained Glass
- Susan Garner Ceramics
- Samson and Delilah Folkart
- Stewart’s Artisan Breads
- Silk Art
- Prairie Fruits Farm
- Country Jewelry Designs
- Great Harvest Bread Co.
- Make Me A Story Press
- Portrait & Fine Art
- Mudbugs Pottery
- Paper Demon Jewelry
- Sto-len Designs Jewelry
- Mary’s Handcrafted Afghans
- Bee (d) Keeper Jewelry
- MK Design
- Handmade Soap
- CARE Center
- Izabela Rayski
- Tammy Soper Handmade Originals
- Miss Linda’s Universe
- Blue Moon Farm
- Camp Karalon Candles
- The Upper Crust
- Michelle Faires Art
- Trees, Trees, Trees
- Campbell Apiaries
- Henriette Stegemeier
- St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
- Berry Good Things
- The Farmer’s Daughter
- Country Cottage Farm
- Wired Bread
- Mesogeios
- Farmboy Artworks
- Jillian Nickell
- Jones Photography
- Custom Glass Art Design
- Dogtown Artworks
- The See and Saw Shop
- Fine Handthrown Pottery
See you at the Square.
The Market on the Square runs every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon, rain or shine now through November 8. It is located in the parking lot of Urbana Square Mall on the corners of Vine and Illinois Streets.