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With temperatures becoming increasingly warmer, Wilmette residents are beginning to emerge from a long winter stuck inside and are finding they can do almost anything outside, including grocery shop.
The Wilmette French Market kicked off its 27-week run in the Village Center at 8 a.m. on April 26, welcoming shoppers to the European-style outdoor market. For the past six years, the Village of Wilmette has worked with Bensidoun USA, a company that sponsors the market’s vendors in Chicago, New York and Paris.
Lucas Sivertsen, Wilmette’s business development planner, said a variety of items including meat, fresh produce, cheese, flowers, jewelry and textiles are sold at the market.
“Earlier in the season, there probably won’t be as many vendors to see,” Sivertsen said. “But at peak season, around June or July, it’s more likely that there will be well over 40 vendors at the market.”
Sivertsen said that the Village is looking forward to another successful season with the French Market, since it has been popular with the residents.
“It brings activity to the Village Center on the weekends,” he said. “I know that the businesses in downtown Wilmette are excited for that weekend activity. It’s also convenient for residents to have the market right here in Wilmette so they don’t have to travel in other places.”
One of the market’s highlights this year is that more vendors will be selling Earth-friendly products, said Leslie Cahill, the Midwest manager of Bensidoun USA.
“There are very few true organic farmers in the area, so it is hard to get organic (goods),” Cahill said. “But, we do work with several vendors that have all natural processes, (such as) meats that are hormone and antibiotic free and also other non-food products that are earth-friendly.”
For those who are looking specifically for earth-friendly or organic products, Cahill said to look for the Earth-friendly logo on vendors’ booths. The logo is an outline of the United States with the company’s logo stretching across it and the words, “This vendor sells earth-friendly products, please inquire,” appearing in black ink.
“Our markets are really more of a destination for the public -- to come out and linger, it's a very welcoming environment for the whole family,” Cahill said. “The diversity of products makes it more appealing to a broader range of people.”
The French Market will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays in the Village Center until mid-October. For more information about the French Market, contact the Village of Wilmette at 847-251-2700.
Other area French Markets from Bensidoun USA are located in Glencoe, Lombard, Wheaton and Lisle.
