Oak Forest Farmers Market Open, 'Still a Work In Progress'

The Oak Forest Farmers Market is held Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon, at the Oak Forest Metra/CVS parking lot located at 159th and Cicero Ave.

Oak Forest's farmers market kicked off May 31, but some of the vendors have yet to make their debut. 

Oak Forest Park District Commissioner Joe Conway said traffic has been strong for the Saturday morning market, and that "patience is key" for a few specific vendors. 

Zeldenrust Farms, of Glenwood, has told organizers a shortage of produce has kept them from their regularly scheduled slot at the market, but that they'll be there this weekend with whatever they have. Similarly, Lyons Fruit Farm out of South Haven, Michigan was set to be at the market last weekend, but called and told organizers that just too many of their strawberries were still "white on the vine."

"Our goal is to stay as local as possible with our veggies which means due to the past winter, we all have to be extra patient if we want locally grown products," Conway told Patch. 

Vendors have been pleased with their sales early in the Oak Forest market season.  

"This market is better than I would have ever thought ... don't worry, I'll be here every weekend if it stays like this!" said Cliff, from Cliff's Natural Pork.

Foot traffic is key to a successful market, Conway noted. 

"We are asking for patience and continued support," Conway said. "People are constantly comparing the Oak Forest Market to other neighboring markets such as Tinley Park and Frankfort. Those are well-established markets with great reputations who we wish continued success. Technically, Oak Forest's market isn't brand new but considering all the changes, it might as well be. 

"Our goal is to have the same success as other local markets and to ultimately give not only Oak Forest residents but all south suburban residents another rewarding event that gets them outside and engaged with their local community."

Vendors available to date include:
Cliff's All Natural Pork Products (hot sandwiches grilled at the market and frozen pork products as well)
Belly Lovin' Treats
Sonoma Farms (Labriola Breads, oils, salsas, etc.)
Stamper Cheese
Gourmet Kettle Corn 
Zeldenrust Farms (locally grown vegetables and flowers)
Lyon's Fruit Farm (various fruits from South Haven, MI)
Alma Manendez's Homemade Tamales and Salsa
Mrs. Hunt's Bakery 
The Gluten and Free and Vegan Bakery
Black Gold "Wiggle Worm Soil Builder" (earthworm castings for your flowers and vegetables) 
The Shriners (Vidalia Onions)
Coffee and Espresso on the Spot
Mr. Salty
The Cupcake Lady 
The 31 Lady
Tennessee Sweet Potato Plants
Heimanns Nursery Plants (potted plants for your landscape)
Homemade Dog Treats
Handmade Soaps and Lotions
Tom Koch's Handmade Yard Decorations 

Vendors in the works:
Great Harvest Bread Company (specialty breads such as gluten free breads and various other types of bread loaves)
A honey and honey product provider
A cheese cake provider
Farm fresh free-range egg provider
Oberweis Dairy 
Wine tasting
Master gardener from U of I agricultural extension
Chef demonstrations

Suggestions for vendors or events are always welcome. Also, the Farmers Market Committee is looking for more volunteers. All inquiries should be sent to Kirstin at kbardusk@oakforestparks.org