Park Ridge Farmers Market Begins with Familiar Charm

The Park Ridge Farmers Market reopened on May 23. The weather was mild and brought many visitors, though not overcrowded. This year marked a change, with the absence of the AT&T parking lot at 36 S. Prairie Avenue. Though this change sparked some complaints about the vacant lot, it didn’t deter vendors and guests who found ample parking nearby.

Despite cloudy skies, residents attended the annual market kickoff. Previously, there had been discussions about relocating the market after AT&T reclaimed its lot. Nevertheless, this year’s market retained its traditional charm, expanding toward Garden next to Cumberland Park. Here, visitors could relax at picnic tables, enjoy live music, and savor food from local vendors.

Nick Cataudella, the owner of Nicky C’s Red Hots, was among the vendors. “I’m selling hot dogs at 8 in the morning, so it’s pretty good,” he remarked. As a participant for six years, he was unfazed by the market’s new layout. Rows of eager customers and filled picnic tables highlighted the market’s lively atmosphere.

The market features mostly returning vendors, though three to six typically change each year. Some former vendors commit to physical stores and step back from the market. Market co-master Karen Grunschel expressed excitement for returning after the winter break, appreciating the favorable weather. Her counterpart, Stephanie Goodrich, emphasized ongoing market adjustments based on community feedback: “It’s never the same market. We’re always changing.” As seasons shift, vendors will introduce diverse produce, transitioning from potted herbs and flowers to berries and beans.

Tidey Farms, a long-standing market participant for 35 years, offers various produce. Even at the season’s start, they utilize greenhouses for early tomatoes and other vegetables. Kathy Tidey, a vendor at the market, anticipates bringing strawberries, blueberries, and green beans as the weather warms. She values the market as a family tradition, with ties to Park Ridge and farming roots in Michigan.

Many vendors currently sell flowers, both cut and potted, along with herbs. Despite this being early in the growing season, booths remain busy. Kathy Tidey noted a strong customer turnout: “We still have a good number of customers.” Regular visitor, Meg Rickman, from Chicago, found parking easy: “I usually bike here. Today I drove and found a space quickly.”