Homewood's Indoor Farmers Market Makes Its Return

HOMEWOOD, IL — Local farmers market enthusiasts who may have the winter blues are craving a touch of summer by shopping for locally produced goods and artisan creations will soon be able to find what they’re looking for in an indoor setting.

The Homewood Indoor Market makes its first of four appearances Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Homewood-Flossmoor Auditorium, which is located at 2010 Chestnut Rd. The market runs from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.

The market will also be held on Feb. 25, March 25 and April 29.

The indoor market returns to a full slate of winter dates this year after the COVID-19 pandemic affected the opening date of the market last year, market manager Nikki Fisher said on Thursday. The market did not begin until February in 2022 and even after it open, local residents expressed concerns over the possible spread of the virus.

Now, a year later, Fisher said that more vendors have made requests for space than is available as local residents again look forward to a one-stop shopping experience with endless possibilities. In addition to the vendors, Fisher said that the market offers space to local not-for-profit organizations and local groups that is hoping to promote their services to not only Homewood residents, but those who venture out to the market from neighboring communities.

The market also offers kids activities such a face-painting and activities tables as well as other special events such as free fitness pop-up classes run by local businesses.

"People look forward to the social aspects (of the market) even outside to knowing they can get some good produce and knowing it's a good one-stop shop," Fisher said.

"By being this cool little incubator where you have all of this cool stuff in one space, I think (the market) has kind of grown into something where people now have big expectations and they look forward to it."

The market features fresh-baked breaks, doughnuts, homemade hummus, locally grown produce, locally made honey as well as handcrafted items that are made by local artists and craft enthusiasts.

The market will also feature ready-to-eat specialty foods, cheese, mushrooms, popcorn, and also offers local shoppers to find handmade jewelry and many more items, organizers said.

Fisher, who is in her second year as the market's manager, said residents have already started inquiring about extending the outdoor market season and allowing it to run later into the fall. She said residents have asked if it can start earlier rather than waiting until after school has let out for the summer. The interest shows her that the community appreciates the value the farmers market — both inside and out — holds within the community.

"It's definitely something people want to be a part of," Fisher said Thursday. "I think COVID really showed people the importance of having a market, period and the value that it brings all the way around. We have such a diverse population and it's not just a certain age group or a certain demographic. I think it's really cool that so many people are into it."

Local vendors include:

Taproot Farms

• Microgreens are derived directly from the seed and are up to 40 times more nutritious than at maturity. This is why microgreens are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Artisans & Crafters

Blue Pearl Candle

• Variety of soy candles placed in beautifully designed vessel.

Homewood Kitchen Gardens

• All natural body products, hand knit toys, and veggie plants.

Special gifts

Handmade jewelry from semi-precious stones, crystals, and metals.

Prepared & To-Go Foods

Confections

• Delicious cakes and pies made to order. All fresh, high-quality ingredients for a delightful treat.

Elite Sweets

• Sweet treats for weddings, gifts, parties and more

On and Poppin

• Gourmet popcorn flavors, classic caramel, movie theater popcorn and many other unique flavors

Sonoma Farm

Text or call to order and pay: (708) 834-0025

• Flavored olive oil, Balsamic vinegar, pasta sauce, salsa, giardiniera

Southland Sweets

• Gluten-free sweets. Enjoy cookies, baked donuts, sweet breads and so much more!

TJ's Kettle Corn

• Delicious Kettle Korn and warm roasted nuts!

Market organizers are also searching for volunteers to assist with set-up and tear-down and answer questions from shoppers, Interested residents are asked to contact market manager Nikki Fisher by email at farmersmarket@homewoodil.gov.