Farmers Markets


We are excited to return to farmer's markets for 2014 and are currently in the process of applying to a few area markets.  We hope to return to the Hines VA Hospital market this year (thursday mornings) and we hope to add a Saturday or Sunday market to our roster this year.  Stay tuned for updates as the market application process gets underway. 




History


2013

For 2013 Purple Leaf is excited to once again be expanding the farm.  This year we will once again be relocating, this time from Forest Park to Elgin, IL.  Instead of a quarter acre plot, this year we're going to be taking on a full acre!  We'll again be offering veggies, herbs, and flowers.  Expect new and exciting varieties of each! We will also be offering a full CSA share containing veggies, herbs and flowers; a half CSA,share; and a cut flowers only CSA share.  Stay tuned for details on how to sign up for these programs!  Also, we will be attending at least one Chicago-area farmers market... excactly which market this will be is still being determined.  Moving to Elgin brings many opportunities, but it also presents some new and interesting logistical challenges for us that make getting to market a bit harder. 


This year we will be attending the following Farmers Markets

  • Tuesdays 2pm - 7pm Columbus Park Farmers Market (Harrison Street and Central Avenue, Chicago) Starting June 25th!
  • Thursdays 7am - 2pm Hines Veterans Hospital Farmers Market (Hines IL)Starting June 27th!
  • Thursdays 4pm - sunset Elgin Far West Market (Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 195 Nesler Road in Elgin)  Starting July 11th!
  • Sundays 9am - 1pm Elwood Park Farmers Market (Fullerton and 75th Avenue, Elmwood Park)  Starting July 7th











2012


In 2012 Purple Leaf Farms moved to a new quarter acre plot rented from the Village of Forest Park and expanded our offerings to include cut flowers.  We called this new project the Forest Park Mini Farm and chronicled the year via blog  www.forestparkminifarm.com .  We participated in the Forest Park Farmers Market and started our first CSA program!  Jessica also accepted the position of Farmers market Manager at the Oak Park Farmers Market, completing the transition from her career in urban planning to a full time career in farmers markets.















2010

Purple Leaf Farms was proud to sell at the Logan Square Farmer's Market in Chicago during the 2010 season.  This was our first market, ever, and it was such a great experience!  :