8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 27
Lamb from Knob Hill Livestock Co. in Petersburg, Amish bakery goods from The Homestead Bakery in Arthur, pecans from Voss Pecans in Carlyle, handcrafted cheeses from Ludwig Farmstead Creamery in Fithian; nectarines and plums from Heffington’s Orchard in Barchtown; lettuce, greens, tomatoes and peppers from Good Earth Farms in Lynnville.
Good weather, for the most part, has greeted the 2012 growing season. We can all reap the harvest from that blessing with an abundance of fresh local products and savory goods for purchase at the Old Capitol Farmers Market.
Every Wednesday and Saturday through October, browse three downtown blocks on Adams Street between Fifth and Second and discover an array of produce, cheese, plants, meats, spices, herbs, baked goods and so much more. More is the key here. Farmers Markets house more than sustenance that comes out of the ground; they are venues for art, music, culinary demos and health screenings and information.
Saturdays starting in June, an Artisans Area will embellish the parking lot at the southeast corner of Fourth and Adams streets with treasures made by local artists. And on the third Saturday of each month, designated Super Saturdays, the marketplace has even more to offer. Chef Michael Higgins of Maldaner’s Restaurant serves up a cooking demonstration and local musicians serenade with their music from 10 a.m. to noon. The 2012 entertainment schedule includes: June 16, Elvis Himselvis; July 21, Skibbereen; Aug. 18, Black Magic Johnson; Sept. 15, Don Smith Band; and Oct. 20, Thornhill. The Lincoln Troubadours will also sing at the marketplace throughout the season as part of the History Comes Alive program.
Organizers at Downtown Springfield, Inc. announced two new programs this year. Wednesday shoppers may return home with deals thanks to Bargain Wednesdays. Also, buying in general is more convenient. A Link card, debit and credit card token purchase program begins June 2. Vendors will accept Market Tokens ($1 each) for transactions. Find the exchange station at the Development Services Group on the northeast corner of Fourth and Adams.
Several new vendors vie for your business alongside your favorites. Listen for a vendor synopsis each Wednesday morning on Bob Murray’s Grower of the Week radio program on WTAX, 1240 AM. Old Capitol Farmers Market is presented by St. John’s Hospital.
A complete vendor list and map can be found at www.downtownspringfield.org.
