The Brookfield Farmers Market is entering its 18th season in 2025, continuing to thrive as one of the top markets in the country. For the second consecutive year, the market was voted the best in Illinois and the fourth best nationwide in the American Farmland Trust’s 16th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration.
Held at Brookfield Village Hall, the market operates on Saturdays from June to October, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can find locally grown produce, baked goods, honey and artisan crafts, along with live music and events sponsored by local businesses.
Gina Sharenow is the market manager of the Brookfield Farmers Market, now in her fourth year of involvement and third year as manager.
Sharenow emphasizes that new changes are on the way for the market for the 2025 season including an extended season and the introduction of EBT payment options, all aimed at enhancing the community experience at the market.
Typically concluding in the second week of October, the market will now extend its season through the end of the month. This change gives visitors additional opportunities to explore fresh produce, local goods and the vibrant market atmosphere. As part of the extended schedule, the market will also participate in a Fall fest during the third week of October.
“I’m really focused on encompassing the community. That means involving everyone — from the teenagers in our community to our brick-and-mortar businesses, to our entrepreneurs, whether they’re adults or children. I really just want to provide opportunities for these people to shine and for our community, as well as surrounding communities, to enjoy it,” Sharenow said.
When asked what makes the Brookfield Farmers’ Market unique compared to other farmers’ markets in the area, Sharenow responded that the market offers a wide range of vendors.
“We don’t require vendors to attend every market, so there is a lot of fluctuation in who will be there. You have your regular vendors, but one week you might find a jeweler or a knife sharpener, so it’s always exciting to see the new people we bring in. I think being on a Saturday is a huge plus. We have the advantage of people not working, whereas most markets around us are during the week,” Sharenow said.