Valparaiso Farmers Market is a traditional farmers market in a classic, midwestern town perched between the edge of rural farmlands and the industrial region of Chicago. Home of the late Orville Redenbacher, Valparaiso is the sort of all-American town that is the bedrock of the home-grown food, crafts, and farmers market movement.
Established in 1976, the market serves a population of 34,000 with 50 to 60 vendors and runs twice a week between June and October with an online winter marketplace. The market was recently acquired by the Valparaiso Town Parks and Recreation Department.
Amanda Saqui, Valparaiso Farmer’s Market Manager, relishes the role the market plays in bringing the community together. “Every week, people gather to shop for fresh local produce, handmade products, and beautiful plants and flowers,” she notes. “Our customers visit with local growers to buy plants in early summer and the freshest vegetables from summer through fall. The market’s craftsmen and food vendors are always delighting us with their beautiful creations. It’s special to be a part of that.”