Image by Steve Adcock from Pixabay
The Old Capitol Farmers Market, presented by HSHS St. John’s Hospital — voted Best Place to go Downtown and Best Produce Selection in Illinois Times’ Best Of Springfield 2022 – returns to kick off the outdoor season on Wednesday May 17th. The community is invited to the official Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Saturday, May 20th at 9 am, followed by entertainment by the Springfield Youth Performance Group and cake from longtime market vendor Incredibly Delicious.
This summer celebrates the 24th season of the Old Capitol Farmers Market under the management of Downtown Springfield, Inc and the generous support of premier sponsorship by HSHS St. John’s Hospital. The market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 am – 12:30 pm on 4th and Adams Streets in Downtown Springfield through the end of October.
As downstate Illinois’ largest producer-only farmers market, all products are grown, raised, harvested, or handmade locally by each vendor. This stipulation helps shoppers know where their food is coming from and know they are investing in their local food system.
Accessibility to the local food system is taken a step further through the market’s Link Match program, which is funded by Link Up Illinois to double Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for market customers to spend on fresh, local produce. The Link Match program distributed nearly $48,000 in SNAP funds and matching vouchers throughout the 2022 outdoor season, providing hundreds of people with greater access to fresh, local, healthy foods.
This season introduces many new vendors, including smoothies, stained glass artwork, and many more growers, in addition to returning fan favorite fruit and vegetable farmers, local meat and dairy vendors, bakeries, and coffee providers. Local artisans will return to sell handmade goods including ceramics, jewelry, skin care, and more.
“The Old Capitol Farmers Market has been a mainstay in our community, and we are thrilled to continue our support for this important public health and economic initiative,” said Matt Fry, president and CEO of HSHS St. John’s Hospital. “We love being part of a community-based market where residents of all ages and backgrounds can gather to try new things, learn about healthy foods and support local farmers and artisans. I personally am looking forward to visiting the market with my family and choosing fresh, local products and produce to enjoy in my own kitchen!”
Saturdays at the market feature even more fun, with a Family Fitness Class under the farmers market mural at 9:00 am and Chef Demonstrations by local chefs using local, seasonal produce sourced from the market at 9:30 am.
This event is free and open to the public. It is organized by Downtown Springfield Inc in partnership with HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Link Up Illinois, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Bank of Springfield, Development Services Group, Illinois Times, the City of Springfield, Central Baptist Church, Downtown YMCA, Grace Lutheran Church, Feeding Illinois, and the Springfield Area Arts Council.
For more information, visit www.downtownspringfield.org/
Downtown Springfield Inc. is the downtown business association (501c6) and nationally accredited Main Street organization dedicated to creating and supporting a vibrant neighborhood through collaboration, creativity, and leadership. To find out more about DSI, visit https://www.
