The Hills Farmers Market opened for the season on Friday morning and drew a steady flow of customers to the Hickory Hills Municipal parking lot.
This is the fifth year for the market, which is sponsored and organized by the Hills Chamber of Commerce.
Art Golden, who serves as treasurer of the chamber, and Hickory Hills Ald. Debbie Ferrero (2nd), greeted visitors from the chamber location at the market.
Golden was keeping his fingers crossed that predictions of rain would hold off until the end of the event. His hopes were rewarded as no rain fell while the market was open.
The day was humid and cloudy but most customers said they felt comfortable. Golden said that more vendors have signed up this year with more to come during the summer.
Of course, there were several vendors who have been at the Hills Farmers Market through the years.
A representative from the Green Hills Library was on hand to provide information to visitors and patrons about upcoming events. An employee with Villa’s Nuts and Candy was on hand to provide a wide assortment of flavored mixed nuts to customers. They have been at the market the past few years.
Evan Paxinos, the owner and founder of Evanly Cheesecakes, has returned to the market for another year.
“I enjoy this 100%,” said Paxinos, who was offering free samples of his cheesecake. “Last year was the first time I was at a farmers market. I just really like it here. I’m also at the Tinley Park one, too.”
This is the first year that Kat Nosal is involved in the Hills Farmers Market. Her business is called The Crawler Brewing Co., which she said refers to it “crawling” from one location to another, providing a wide variety of flavored coffees, including crawler coffee, iced coffee, mocha coffee, and cinnamon coffee. She also offers a magnolia lemonade.
She does not have a brick-and-mortar location but instead sells her products online. She has been attending more farmers markets.
“I have been at a few farmers markets the past few years,” said Nosal, who is a New Lenox resident. “I have been to Indiana and I have gone to Ottawa. It is a lot of fun.”
Nosal also offers what she calls the Log Cabin.
“That includes maple syrup with coffee,” she said.
Johann Gobernatz greeted customers with a smile while talking to them about his Big Daddy Favorite Fudge.
“This was first done by my grandmother,” said Gobernatz, who is now in his second year of business.
He said that his grandmother would provide the treats to relatives and friends. He has a variety of flavors, including fudge recipes with alcohol for adults called Chocolate Creme De Menthe and Chocolate Jack.
He also offers chocolate, chocolate pecan, and chocolate espresso fudge.
“We go to a lot of farmers markets,” Gobernatz said. “We will be here during the summer. We also do a lot of craft shows and shows for Christmas.”
Gracely’s Bakery was a popular destination for customers. Two employees said this is their first year at the Hills Farmers Market. They offer a variety of flavored cookies, doughnuts and muffins. Gracely’s Bakery first began operating in Berwyn and Melrose Park. They recently opened in Chicago’s Brighton Park neighborhood.
The market also has two businesses offering flavored drinks. Golden said there is more variety at the farmers market this year.
Notably missing were any farmers offering produce and vegetables. Golden said that one group backed out two weeks ago. He said the organization is working on it and should have some replacements in the near future.
The Hills Farmers Market will be offered each Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Hickory Hills Municipal parking lot, 8652 W. 95th St. The market will not be open on July 3 and will continue through Aug. 28.
More information about the market can be obtained at www.thehillschamber.org.
