Informational Meetings Scheduled For Illinois Products Farmers' Market And Community Garden

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has scheduled meetings for those interested in participating in this year’s Illinois Products Farmers’ Market (IPFM) and Illinois State Fairgrounds Community Garden. 

A public meeting will be held March 1 at 5:30 p.m. for new and returning community gardeners.  Potential and current vendors can get more information about the Illinois Products Farmers’ Market on March 22 at 5:30 p.m.  Both meetings will be held in the IDOA Auditorium, located at the corner of Sangamon Ave. and 8th St. on the Illinois State Fairgrounds inside Gate 11. 

The IPFM is a unique, evening market held on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.  In addition to fresh produce, it offers the public a chance to purchase a number of other products that are either produced or processed in Illinois.  The market will open Thursday, May 10, and run every Thursday evening through Oct. 18, except during the Illinois State Fair. 
     
The garden, which is located on the infield of the Illinois State Fair Grandstand race track, was created two years ago to give individuals who do not have space for a garden a friendly and safe environment in which to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and other plants.

For more information, please visit www.illinoisproductmarket.com, www.agr.state.il.us/garden, or call (217) 785-4873.