Market at the Square, Urbana’s farmer’s market, reopened its doors to vendors and customers Saturday.
According to the city’s Web site, Market at the Square had over 175 vendors register in 2009. The market, located on the corner of Illinois and Vine streets, is open from 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday morning from May 1 to Nov. 6.
While the bad weather causes uncertainty in sales, vendors mentioned that the customers’ kindness make up for the unpredictable and stormy weather.
Champaign resident Cindy Sampson said she had her jewelry and clothing stand at the market for four or five years. She added that the best part of the farmer’s market is meeting other vendors and customers.
“I wish I could see everything (at the market),” Sampson said. “This is my full-time job.”
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Chandlerville resident Joe Merwin sells asparagus at the market, but he said he will have strawberries, black raspberries and vegetables as the farmer’s market season continues.
Fresh produce, baked goods and clothing are not the only items on sale at the market. Saint Joseph resident Jerry Rhoads has been selling his wood turnings for four years at the market. He said he makes bowls, bottle stoppers, ink pens and salt and pepper shakers out of wood.
“We’ve had some fantastic sale days here,” Rhoads said. “Meeting a lot of people is great. I usually make eight to ten bowls per week. I’m working on something every day.”
Street performers played music for the customers’ entertainment, while vendors lined up along the southeast lot of Lincoln Square Mall. That’s not the only form of live action. Among the shoppers are people who ran in Saturday’s Illinois marathon.
Chicago resident Ajana Boone ran in the marathon with her parents and went to the market after the race. She said she liked seeing local vendors at the market.
“It was fun (at the marathon),” Boone said. “We had a great time. It was so inspiring to see everyone come out.”
Urbana resident Margaret Seggebruch said she has been coming to the market for the past three years. She added that she loves the fresh produce and flowers at the farmer’s market.
“I don’t have any bad memories here,” Seggebruch said. “It’s just a wonderful atmosphere.”
