KOSEY CORNER
Someone once asked me why I would want to go to a farmers market, to which I replied, “Because I like my beans to snap and not bend.” And if you go to farmers markets you know what I mean.
Riverside’s first farmers market lasted only two years at the train station on Friday mornings. The market then went on a long hiatus, while people argued whether there should be a market in Riverside or not. Progress was slow, but eventually a new market came to East Burlington Street in 2009.
That market, now in its third year, moved again in 2011, but is thriving in the parking lot next to the Riverside Public Library, 1 Burling Road, thanks to a group of volunteers. It is held every Wednesday afternoon from 2:30 to 7 p.m.
Brookfield’s Chamber of Commerce has had a thriving market on Saturday mornings next to its village hall at 8820 Brookfield Ave., which has plenty of parking. You will be greeted by chamber members as you begin your shopping.
My intent here is to let you in on some of the great finds that are available beyond fruits, vegetables, herbs, bakery, plants and flowers. Riverside has a supply of the usual, but you can also get candy, eggs and your dinner – a great pizza cooked to order with your choice of toppings. There are pickles galore- I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many – and a booth with spaghetti sauces.
Get those fresh veggies and add them to a sauce (or do you say gravy?) cook some pasta and you’re good to go.
Get to Brookfield early for the best corn I’ve ever had. It’s called Mirai (me-rye) and was originally developed on a small farm in Illinois and still grown on small farms and harvested by hand.
Since you’re getting up early on Saturday morning, hightail it to Oak Park for their farmers market and treat yourself to the fresh doughnuts made right there in the church basement each week as a fundraiser for various groups. As you’re biting into a warm cinnamon donut, ease your conscience by telling yourself it is for charity. The market is located at Lake Street and Scoville Avenue, across the street from Oak Park High School.
Cancer screening: Here is something else to do for yourself on Wednesday, Aug.17 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The American Cancer Society and the Riverside Township Lions Club are sponsoring a free skin cancer screening at the North Riverside Village Commons, 2401 Desplaines Ave. Advance registration is suggested by contacting Carmen Carrizales of the American Cancer Society at 708-484-6542.
Take care of yourself and eat lots of fruits and veggies.