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The regular season markets may have drawn to a close, but holiday and winter markets abound. Not only do these markets have some of the best produce of the season (kale and carrots get sweeter and crisper in the colder temperatures), but they support family farmers during the holiday season and make fresh, wholesome food more available during the winter months.
We are so proud to host the eleventh season of the Springfield Holiday Farmers Markets this year, but you don't have to travel to Springfield for good food (although it will be worth the trip!). Our Buy Fresh Buy Local members are hosting holiday and winter markets across central Illinois. Check out the list below and mark your calendars to attend a holiday market near you.
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Springfield Holiday Farmers Markets |
Join us for the 11th annual Springfield
Holiday Farmers Markets! Start a tradition and shop locally for fresh ingredients and unique gifts that will make all your holiday gatherings merry and bright.
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Expo building
State Fairgrounds
9am -1pm
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Orr Building
State Fairgrounds
9am -1pm
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Held indoors in warm and cozy buildings on the state fairgrounds, each of the
Holiday Farmers Markets proudly presents more than 35 vendors from central Illinois selling a wide variety of products, including pasture-raised turkeys, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, cheese, honey, apples, baked goods, cider, local beer from Rolling Meadows Brewery and Illinois wine from 5 different wineries. Hot coffee and hot chocolate will be available for sale from Custom Cup. The Springfield Art Association will be hosting kids activities and crafts, and live holiday music will be provided by local musician Silas Tockey.
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Holiday shopping made local and easy.
Pre-order holiday turkeys, ham, leg of lamb, and more for pick-up at the Springfield holiday markets, then while you're there stock up on sweet potatoes, carrots, and greens to make a complete holiday meal.
Thanksgiving turkey: pre-order from
Garden Gate Farm. The turkeys are pasture-raised with non-GMO feed and range in size between 6 and 24 lbs. They
are priced at $4.00/lb and can be ordered via email dougrink68@icloud.com or by phone: 815-848-3518.
Leg of Lamb: pre-order leg of lamb for 20% off the original price (normally $13/lb bone-in and $13.50/lb boneless). Lambs are pasture-raised. Orders can be made by messaging Landon Kirby on the
Knob Hill Livestock Company Facebook page.
Holiday Hams: pre-order holiday hams from
R&R Farms. Hams are $5/lb and range in size from 4lb to 12lbs. Order by calling Roger at 217-653-5108. Spiral and bone-in hams will be available for pick-up at the December Market.
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Post-Season Markets Support Family Farms, Build Tradition |
Some of the best local produce is at it's peak just after the outdoor summer market closes. Springfield's two holiday markets give farmers an opportunity to make the final sales of the season and give shoppers a chance to stock up on the freshest local produce- like carrots, greens, and potatoes- right before the holidays.
"Our customers get a second chance to get great products and we get a second chance to earn money before the holidays," said Chad Wallace of Oak Tree Farms in Ashland. "When the Old Capitol Farmers Market ends, you're glad because you get a little break from the hustle of selling every week, but then your paycheck is gone. We've done so well at these Holiday Markets sometimes, you can call it a blessing, you can call it whatever you want, but we are happy to be a part of them."
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Nominate a Golden Beet! Deadline Dec. 1
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 Join Illinois Stewardship Alliance in recognizing the creative, innovative and pioneering local food activities in Illinois and make a nomination! We want to make sure local food champions receive the recognition they deserve for bringing fresh, wholesome food to the people of Illinois. That's why we created the Golden Beet Awards. Making a nomination is easy and the deadline is November 3rd. Nominate your favorite farmer, chef, teacher, activist, or non-profit organization and show local food some love. Learn more.
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Now's the time to get your pre-orders in for holiday turkeys! Check out the list of farms below that have sustainably raised turkeys available for purchase this season and reserve your turkey today.
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Sidney, IL
217-722-2188
davidpbane@aol.com
Dearing Country Farms
Bloomington, IL
309-963-4932
farms@dearingdesigns.com
Fairbury, IL
(available for pick up at Springfield Holiday Farmers Markets)
815-848-3518
dougrink68@icloud.com
Hanna City
309-565-7811
farmerswebb@excite.com
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Waggoner, IL
217-361-6826
healingacresfarm@gmail.com
Pleasant Plains
217-971-6412
parkesfamilyproduce.com
Franklin
217-370-7456
readyfarm@yahoo.com
Petersburg
217-501-4234
manager@redgatefarmllc.com
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Mason City
317-525-1847
rusticredpoultry@gmail.com
Chatsworth
708-606-9414
Farm@Timberfeast.com
Stewardson
217-343-4740
stan@triplesfarms.com
Springfield
217-899-4562
info@willowcityfarm.com
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Turkeys hang out with their guard dog in the dawn light at Rustic Red Poultry and Produce. Photo courtesy Sonja Solomonson.
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Friendsgiving Turkey Recipe
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 My friend Holly will tell you the perfect turkey starts with two things, a good bird and a good brine. She's been cooking up the annual turkey for our Friendsgiving shenanigans since 2008 and has almost 10 years of turkey baking excellence to her name. All of our friends agree, that while our family's put up a good holiday meal, Friendsgiving is the real deal meal we most look forward to during the holidays and Holly's turkey is the star of the show.
Get the recipe
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IN SEASON AT WINTER AND HOLIDAY MARKETS
- apples
- arugula
- bok choy
- radicchio
- lettuce mixes
- cabbage
- kale
- carrots
- beets
- radishes
- turnips
- parsnips
- sunchokes
- cauliflower
- cilantro
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- sage
- chives
- flowers
- heirloom tomatoes
- cherry tomatoes
- patty pan squash
- butternut squash
- acorn squash
- spaghetti squash
- winter squash
- popcorn
- Indian corn
- grains and flours
- cornmeal
- sweet potatoes
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- potatoes
- pumpkins
- pears
- garlic
- pecans
- grass-fed beef
- pastured pork
- free-range chicken and eggs
- pastured lamb
- baked goods and pies
- jam and jellies
- sauces and pickles
- local artistry
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Holiday and Winter Markets |
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Saturday, Nov. 18th
Expo Building
State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 16th
Orr Building
State Fairgrounds, Springfield, IL
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturdays, November 11, 18, 25
Saturdays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
201 Lincoln Square in downtown Urbana, IL
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Urbana Market in the Square - Spring Edition
January: 13, 27
February: 10, 24
March: 10. 24
April: 14, 21
201 Lincoln Square in downtown Urbana, IL
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
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Saturday, Nov. 18th
Grossinger Motors Arena (formerly the U.S. Cellular Coliseum)
101 S. Madison St., Bloomington, IL
10 a.m.- 12 noon
3rd Saturday of every month, December - April
Grossinger Motors Arena (formerly the U.S. Cellular Coliseum)
101 S. Madison St., Bloomington, IL
10 a.m.- 12 noon
Saturday, November 25th
Downtown Streator
10 a.m. -10 p.m.
(featuring both a day and night market)
Tuesday, November 21st
Lincoln Park District
1400 Railer Way, Lincoln, Illinois 62656
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
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Thank You to our Amazing Sponsors!
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| Our work this year would not be possible without the amazing team of sponsors below! Each one has made the decision to invest in feeding their community and supporting small farms and sustainable agriculture right here in central Illinois. Take a good look, these businesses and organizations are top of the line! |
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$2500 Rosacea Family Sponsors
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$1000 Brassica Family Sponsors
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$250 Cucurbit Family Sponsors
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