Park Ridge Farmers Market Committee Meeting - July 15, 2026

The Farmers Market Committee met on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Finance Conference Room. The meeting covered routine business, updates on market operations, and several marketing and event planning items for the upcoming Market Week in August.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approved: The committee approved the minutes from the June 17, 2026, meeting by unanimous vote (motion by member, seconded).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public were present to address non-agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Purchase of Branded Canopy Tents: A member proposed purchasing branded canopy tents for the Market Tent, Community Tent, and Kids Activity Tent to replace current signage that is difficult to attach. The member noted that some vendors use a company charging $400 per tent, but the legs are too large for existing weights. The member suggested investigating Easy Up tents, which may be cheaper. The committee agreed it is a worthwhile use of available funds and will aim to purchase by year-end. No formal vote was taken; further research was directed.

Sub-Committee Reports

• Finance: The committee noted that the market has spent approximately $8,000 of its budget. Five new tables have been ordered at a total cost of about $6,000, with delivery expected by the end of August. The Park District will handle ordering and the city will pay from the market budget. It was recommended to make any additional purchases this year due to the upcoming 2027 budget process.
• Marketing & Communications (Brenda Holcomb absent, report relayed):
  • Market Week Passport: A passport promotion for two Saturdays in August is being finalized. Brenda plans to submit the layout to FedEx (King Kosts) for printing; she requested input on quantity. The committee agreed on 2,800 copies, noting it can be reused next year if successful. Stickers (10,000) have already been ordered for vendors to stamp passports.
  • Distribution: Passports will be available at the market tent. Suggestions to also place them at City Hall and possibly the library were discussed; the committee preferred City Hall to avoid burdening other organizations.
  • Marketing Outreach: A member raised the need to assess the effectiveness of Constant Contact email newsletters and Facebook. Instagram access issues are being resolved.
• Operations:
  • Sinkhole: A small sinkhole at Prairie and Garden may alter the market footprint this Saturday; public works will address it.
  • Truck Departure: A vendor complained that barricade trucks left 20 minutes late on July 4. The practice is to move two trucks at a time for safety, causing slight delays. The committee will explain this to vendors.
  • First Aid Kit: The committee decided to stock only basic supplies (band-aids) and refer more serious injuries to 911 to avoid liability. The market manager’s request for ice packs was denied.
  • Lost Cart: A children's cart went missing; a member may donate a replacement.
• Special Events:
  • A face painter is booked for the final market of the year. The committee discussed also booking a balloon artist ("boom guy") and will reach out to confirm availability.
  • A member purchased four baskets from Hobby Lobby for a raffle; items from a previous order will be added.

Old Business

• Buy Two, Give One Promotion: The committee finalized plans for a promotion during both Market Week Saturdays (August). Shoppers who buy two items can donate one to New Hope, which collects at the market. A blue donation bin will be placed at the New Hope table. The committee sees this as beneficial for vendors and the community. Signage will be prepared.
• Market Logo Trademark: The proposed trademark for the Farmers Market logo will be presented to the Park Ridge City Council on Monday, July 20, 2026. The city already holds trademarks, and the committee is requesting inclusion under the city's umbrella.

New Business

• Community Time Slots: The committee noted that community group slots are open for both upcoming Saturdays. Members will reach out to previous participants (Garden Club, Lions Club) to encourage attendance. The Lions Club did not participate last year, and the Garden Club was absent this year.
• Market Manager Apparel: The market manager's newly ordered shirts were incorrectly printed with the city logo instead of the market logo. A reorder has been placed with the correct design.
• SNAP Participation: The committee reported a good number of new SNAP users at the market recently.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of June 17, 2026.
• Directed further research into branded canopy tents for potential year-end purchase.
• Approved printing of 2,800 Market Week passports; distribution to include market tent and City Hall.
• Confirmed tables ordered; budget spent to date $8,000.
• Decided to limit first aid supplies to basics only.
• Promoted Buy Two, Give One for both August market Saturdays.
• Market logo trademark to be presented to city council on July 20.
• Adjourned by unanimous consent.