Park Ridge Farmers Market Committee Meeting – April 15, 2026

The Farmers Market Committee of Park Ridge, Illinois met on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Finance Conference Room. The committee addressed new vendor applications, market operations, marketing initiatives, and several logistical issues for the upcoming season. Key decisions included approving three new vendors and setting guidelines for the community and business tents.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James Reese, a relationship banker from Village Bank and Trust, asked about obtaining a stall in the business tent for the bank. He was directed to email the farmers market address and informed that chamber of commerce membership waives the fee.

Discussion Items

• Market Master Report: The market manager resigned; a replacement is being sought. The new market map has been distributed via the city spokesman and social media. An interactive parking map linking all public lots and vendor parking at Advocate Lutheran Hospital will be released soon. Communication to vendors about parking placards and employee counts is pending.
• New Vendor Applications:
  • Harrison Poultry Farms (Glenview) – proposed selling fresh chicken sausages, meatballs, and burgers. They are willing to do half or full season. The committee noted they are a local farm and would complement existing meat vendors.
  • DeMarco Coffee (local) – proposed selling Greek pastries, crepes, gelato, coffee, and juices. Concerns were raised about duplication with existing vendors (e.g., Elia’s Cafe for coffee and juices). The committee ultimately focused on crepes, as they filled a gap left by a vendor who dropped out.
  • Travel Banana (local resident) – previously declined due to duplication with soap vendors, but the committee reconsidered after space opened up. He proposed selling soap (and possibly Thai iced coffee, but that was not part of the motion).
• Market Operations:
  • The committee discussed the need for a dry run with vendors to test traffic flow and unloading, especially on Prairie Avenue, to avoid opening day chaos. A date will be set.
  • Porta potties and picnic tables: The park district is installing an ADA-compliant bathroom with a concrete pad; the city council clarified both porta potties would be in the park. The market manager will occasionally wipe down tables, and the park district will deep clean. Trash can placement will be coordinated with the park district.
  • New Hope donation program: Instead of a one-day “buy one, give one” event, the committee will try a passport program over two Saturdays, where purchases earn stamps toward a gift basket, and donations to New Hope earn double stamps.
• Business Tent vs. Community Tent Criteria:
  • The committee clarified that the business tent is for Park Ridge businesses only (per city attorney review). Non-Park Ridge businesses must go to the community tent, which is for nonprofits and public service organizations. Willow Academy (a private school, 501c3) was deemed eligible for the community tent. Right Way Rescue (nonprofit) and Chicago North Shore Elks (veterans organization) were also directed to the community tent. The committee agreed to accept applications via the website and let the tent coordinators decide.
• Marketing & Communications:
  • The opening day giveaway will be a tea towel (instead of vegetable peeler bottle openers that were delayed).
  • A poster contest: people take selfies with posters in businesses, tag the business, and enter to win $25 gift cards. Committee members will divide the city into zones to post flyers by next week.
  • Yard signs with “I Heart Park Ridge Farmers Market” may be distributed at the market tent; the committee supported the idea and will get estimates.
  • Ads are confirmed for Stroll magazine and the Park District summer brochure.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to approve Harrison Poultry Farms as a full-season vendor – passed unanimously (5 yes).
• Motion to approve DeMarco Coffee for crepes only (full-season) – passed unanimously (5 yes). The committee will have Stephanie reach out to clarify if gelato and beverages are included; a follow-up vote may be needed.
• Motion to approve Travel Banana for soap only, half-season – passed unanimously (5 yes).
• Committee agreed to direct all community tent applicants to the website, with tent coordinators (Dion and Molly) making final decisions.
• The committee will set a Saturday morning dry run for vendors to test logistics before opening day.
• Revenue update: Finance sub-committee reported over $33,000 in income from payments and a $5,000 grant from Experimental Station (with $1,000 for administrative costs).
• Next meeting: No date set, but updates on DeMarco’s menu and vendor dry run will be discussed.