I had mixed feelings when I learned that another farmers’ market was opening on the state fairgrounds across from the grandstand.

On one hand, I’m always excited to see increasing availability of local food. On the other, the Old Capitol Farmers’ Market has been expanding since its rebirth in 1999. (The original OCFM in the 1970s, on the Old State Capitol square, was discontinued more than 20 years ago.) I was concerned that another market might hurt its growth, not only for itself, but also because the Old Capitol market has helped revitalize downtown Springfield.

Two years later, it’s clear I needn’t have worried. The Old Capitol Market has continued to grow — it’s even now expanded west on Adams Street beyond the railroad tracks. Recently, I arrived at 11 a.m. on a Saturday to find many vendors had already sold out. The Illinois Products Market has grown as well; on recent visits, the bustling scene had many more vendors and customers than last year. Even though the Illinois Products Farmers’ Market has some of the same vendors as its older downtown sibling, there are enough different vendors and products to give it its own unique ambience. Evening markets tend to have more prepared foods, and this one follows that trend, making it possible to combine shopping and dinner.

The Illinois Beef Association stand features Crown Beef hamburgers and ribeye sandwiches. Midwest Meats often offers pulled pork sandwiches. There are two popcorn vendors. The market also has frequent Samples of the Week, including Ropp Cheeses and the popular Zillions Chili.

Hopefully, there are more to come. One of the biggest contributors to the Illinois Products market’s ambience is wine. Folks stroll around with (real) wineglasses filled with wines ranging from light whites to earthy reds. The stand is operated by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. Last year, says the IGGVA’s Megan Presnell, the stand offered a variety of wines each week from several wineries. This year, wines from a single, different winery are sold each week, giving customers a chance to meet the winemakers and learn firsthand about them and the fruits of their labor. “They’re selling lots of wine,” says market manager Kristi Jones. “Some travel two or three hours for this, and they’re all just so happy to come.” “This market’s really starting to mature,” says Dale Merwyn, who also has stands at the Wednesday and Saturday downtown markets as well as three in the St. Louis area. “Look at this pile of empty boxes!” Having multiple markets to sell his produce clearly makes him happy — and weary.

The Illinois Products Farmers’ Market takes place on Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. until Oct. 22, excepting Aug. 13 and 20. Parking is plentiful and most stands are set up under a pavilion.

Contact Julianne Glatz at [email protected].