PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
BLACKSMITH … A blacksmith demonstration was featured during the Lyons Farmers Market, with metal products also on display for visitors to view and purchase.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Lyons Farmers Market has returned for the season with a new home, more room for vendors and visitors, and a continued focus on bringing the community together.
The market is now being held at the Lyons Community Ballpark, a move that market committee member Amanda Sattler said has opened the door for more space and easier access.
The new location offers more room for vendors to set up, more open space for shoppers to move around, access to the pavilion and picnic tables, and plenty of parking.
Sattler said the response to the new location has been positive so far, with vendors appreciating the extra room and visitors commenting on the more open layout.
This is Sattler’s second year serving on the market committee, and she said the group has worked to increase awareness of the event throughout the Lyons area.
This year, mailers were sent out to residents in the 43533 ZIP code, and the market has also been promoted through local parades, including the Lyons Memorial Day parade and Metamora’s Party in the Park parade.
One change this year is the decision to feature one food truck and one drink truck at each market. Sattler said that approach has worked better than having multiple food vendors competing at the same event.
For June, the trucks onsite were Big Mealz on Wheelz and Snowie Station, along with music from DJ John Schwind.
Vendor offerings included gourmet mushrooms, seasonings, oils, candles, wax melts, 3D-printed items, sourdough, soaps and body care, elderberry syrups and goods, fresh flowers, crochet products, tallow body care, apparel, signs, decor, produce, dried tea blends, dried flowers, desserts and sweet treats, farm products, and blacksmith demonstrations and products.
The market also included a produce table sponsored by St. John’s Produce, as well as a kids’ activity featuring a free summer reading book giveaway.
Sattler said the market has developed a strong base of returning vendors, which helps shoppers know they can come back month after month for many of the same products.
She said that consistency has helped the market maintain its vendor base while continuing to grow its reach.
“We have our staples,” Sattler said, noting that customers have come to expect certain products, such as sourdough, honey and other regular offerings, to be available each month.
As the market continues to grow, Sattler said the committee would like to do more, but additional help is needed. Volunteers are welcomed, including high school students who may need community service hours.
For Sattler, who has lived in Lyons her whole life, helping with the farmers market is about more than organizing vendors and advertising dates.
She said the community supported her during a difficult time in her life about 10 years ago, and serving with the market is one way she can give back.
“This community showed up for me,” Sattler said. “This is my way of giving back to the community that showed up.” The next Lyons Farmers Market date is slated for July 18.
