Old Capitol Farmers Market 
Fresh cheese, bread, meat, spices, herbs and locally grown produce can all be part of your summer menu thanks to this year’s Old Capitol Farmers Market. Presented by St. John’s Hospital and Downtown Springfield, Inc., the market opened for the season May 15.
The Market accepts LINK, debit and credit card transactions for the purchase of market tokens for $1. The market token station will be located at Development Services Group on 401 E. Adams and available 8 a.m. to noon each market day. Vendors will also continue to accept cash, checks, WIC and Senior Coupons. DSI received grant funding again from LINK UP Illinois to provide double value tokens for LINK cardholders. LINK UP Illinois is a program of Experimental Station, in partnership with Wholesome Wave and the Illinois Farmers Market Association. LINK customers may receive a maximum of $10 of double value tokens per market day until grant funds are expended.
Every Wednesday and Saturday through October, browse three downtown blocks on Adams Street between Fifth and Second and discover ways to enhance your home dining experience. Whether it’s the chef with an advanced palette, a family looking to add some flavor to their diet or the Saturday morning shopper, there is something for everyone.
Each third Saturday of the month, the market fills with artisans, chef demos and live music. Through Oct. 19, local juried artisans will display and sell their original artwork every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the parking lot at the southeast corner of Adams.
While some get their art fix, fresh produce fans won’t want to miss “Super Saturdays.” Each third Saturday there will be chef demonstrations by Chef Michael Higgins of Maldaner’s Restaurant and the following live entertainment 10 a.m. to noon: June 15 – Elvis Himselvis, July 20 – Black Magic Johnson, Aug. 17 – Skibbereen, Sept. 21 – Don Smith Band and Oct. 19 – Thornhill. In an effort to host more live, local music, Midwest Family Broadcasting, “Alice 97.7 Saturday Stage,” has partnered with DSI to help schedule additional bands on available Saturdays.
This growers-only event gives local producers a chance to showcase their most glorious greens. As new vendors join the market they will have the opportunity to be part of the “Grower of the Week” radio program. The program highlights individual vendors and will again be hosted by Bob Murray of WTAX-AM on Wednesday mornings. Due to the increased number of vendors and interest, Midwest Family Broadcasting is offering to conduct additional vendor interviews on “The Farmers Market with Jim Leach, WMAY” airing on Wednesday mornings at 8:50 a.m. as scheduling allows.
Longtime sponsor St. John’s Hospital understands the importance of fresh, locally grown produce to help people live healthier lives. The hospital promotes healthy lifestyles, distributes informational materials and offers health screenings and programs, such as a body fat analysis and interactive educational programs to help children and adults learn about the importance of proper nutrition. St. John’s also provides free blood pressure tests and other tests periodically during the season.
For more information, phone 217- 544-1723. For a complete list of market vendors and market map visit www. downtownspringfield.org.
