Farmers Market 2023

This blog is courtesy of our intern Nand Patel.

Hello, I’m Nand. I am entering my senior year of high school and over this summer I have had an amazing opportunity to intern at the Downtown Neighborhood Association. One of the major events they host yearly is Downtown Elgin Farmers Market. The Downtown Elgin Farmers Market is a great event to come discover some of the unique passions throughout the Elgin community. The market is filled with smiles, enthusiastic vendors, and is a thrilling environment to be a part of!

The market consists of anything from fresh grown fruits and veggies, clothing items, and even everyday skin care. One of the amazing vendors I had a chance to meet with was Jennifer Monterroso with “La Joya De Taxco.” Jennifer sells handmade artisan jewelry made from all the way in Mexico! La Joya De Taxco is a family owned business with great select styles and there is nothing like it at the farmers market. Jennifer’s passion for jewelry and fashion is “driven through her grandmother who had started the business to support her children.”

A great example of the unique items at the farmers market is none other than “Route 66 Candles”. I spoke with Jonathan Burgett, the owner, as to what began his candle-making journey. Starting in 2013, Jonathan was upset with the candle market and decided that he could make better, higher end, and more aromatic candles for half the sticker price. His candles are made with pure soy and are handcrafted. In the past year, Jonathan has also begun making “Jam N Jelly” which he has “always known how to make with his time growing up on a ranch.” In the 1 year of business of Jam N Jelly, Jonathan has sold over 1,700 jars!

There are so many great stories filled with eagerness and desire all throughout the Elgin community and it all comes out during the farmers market in all shapes and forms. The farmers market isn’t limited to only humans, dogs’ lives matter too! “Pup Nation” makes bandanas that are safe for any pup’s skin. The material they are made out of do not irritate puppies and they even personalize designs and names on their bandanas. It doesn’t end there, the bug repellent is an amazing way to save trips to the vet for bugs and ticks. Michelle from Pup Nation wants “every dog to feel loved” and she continues to spread the love by making organic treats also with great ingredients. “Each ingredient has a reason and benefit associated with it,” she says. The Downtown Elgin Farmers Market is an attraction for people with many interests!

The Downtown Elgin Farmers Market brings together so many individuals with great interests and hobbies all throughout the surrounding areas! Keep an eye on the farmers market for the rest of the season and next season as the farmers market family grows even more! The farmers market lasts almost half a year from the beginning of June throughout the middle of October. There are plenty of Fridays for a chance to stop by and enjoy the music, the kid’s corner, great food and drinks, and the amazing scenery on Riverside Drive!

Farmers Market 2023

This blog is courtesy of our intern Nand Patel.

Hello, I’m Nand. I am entering my senior year of high school and over this summer I have had an amazing opportunity to intern at the Downtown Neighborhood Association. One of the major events they host yearly is Downtown Elgin Farmers Market. The Downtown Elgin Farmers Market is a great event to come discover some of the unique passions throughout the Elgin community. The market is filled with smiles, enthusiastic vendors, and is a thrilling environment to be a part of!

The market consists of anything from fresh grown fruits and veggies, clothing items, and even everyday skin care. One of the amazing vendors I had a chance to meet with was Jennifer Monterroso with “La Joya De Taxco.” Jennifer sells handmade artisan jewelry made from all the way in Mexico! La Joya De Taxco is a family owned business with great select styles and there is nothing like it at the farmers market. Jennifer’s passion for jewelry and fashion is “driven through her grandmother who had started the business to support her children.”

A great example of the unique items at the farmers market is none other than “Route 66 Candles”. I spoke with Jonathan Burgett, the owner, as to what began his candle-making journey. Starting in 2013, Jonathan was upset with the candle market and decided that he could make better, higher end, and more aromatic candles for half the sticker price. His candles are made with pure soy and are handcrafted. In the past year, Jonathan has also begun making “Jam N Jelly” which he has “always known how to make with his time growing up on a ranch.” In the 1 year of business of Jam N Jelly, Jonathan has sold over 1,700 jars!

There are so many great stories filled with eagerness and desire all throughout the Elgin community and it all comes out during the farmers market in all shapes and forms. The farmers market isn’t limited to only humans, dogs’ lives matter too! “Pup Nation” makes bandanas that are safe for any pup’s skin. The material they are made out of do not irritate puppies and they even personalize designs and names on their bandanas. It doesn’t end there, the bug repellent is an amazing way to save trips to the vet for bugs and ticks. Michelle from Pup Nation wants “every dog to feel loved” and she continues to spread the love by making organic treats also with great ingredients. “Each ingredient has a reason and benefit associated with it,” she says. The Downtown Elgin Farmers Market is an attraction for people with many interests!

The Downtown Elgin Farmers Market brings together so many individuals with great interests and hobbies all throughout the surrounding areas! Keep an eye on the farmers market for the rest of the season and next season as the farmers market family grows even more! The farmers market lasts almost half a year from the beginning of June throughout the middle of October. There are plenty of Fridays for a chance to stop by and enjoy the music, the kid’s corner, great food and drinks, and the amazing scenery on Riverside Drive!