The opening of the midweek Aurora Farmers Market on the city’s West Side on Wednesday was perfect timing for Sonja Meyer of Aurora, who is planning to have her grandkids over for the Fourth of July.
The main Aurora Farmers Market runs from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 4 at Water Street Square at 65 S. Water St. in downtown Aurora. The smaller midweek market which opened for the season on Wednesday will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 20 at West Plaza at 1999 W. Galena Blvd.
“We like both the Saturday and Wednesday markets, but this one is closer to our home,” Meyer said as she and her husband Jack plucked ears of corn packed in ice from a large cardboard box at the Wednesday market. “I like the accessibility of this and the hours as well. For us, it’s better.”
Deliberately designed to be smaller and more accessible than Saturday’s long-running larger market, city officials say the Wednesday option offers an alternative for those like the Meyers and others who need midweek supplies or prefer to shop at a smaller venue.
Jon Zaghloul, communications manager for the city of Aurora, spoke before the opening of the Wednesday market this week and emphasized the market “is an important alternative.”
“I feel that this market is a great opportunity to either restock their items midway through the week in case they can’t make it out for the Saturday market – there’s an ample opportunity to still reach 15 to 20 vendors in a good, centrally-located spot at least for West Side people,” he said. “It can be hard to get downtown sometimes on Saturday, and this is an opportunity where people can still access the market and all the amenities that come along with it.”
Zaghloul added that the market “offers diversity while at the same time doing it (shopping) on a Wednesday, having more time to relax.”
“It’s a great opportunity where people can get a similar experience in a different location,” he said. “This also allows people to shop local, something the city of Aurora prides itself on. Aurora farmers market manager and community events coordinator Felicia Freitag does a great job at bringing in an amazing array of vendors that are local … with farm-fresh flavors right to the display shelf. Some of the foods are very unique and things you won’t find elsewhere.”
The Meyers were not alone in their enthusiasm for the midweek market.
“I like this market and I like the Saturday one too and walking around and seeing people and what they’re buying,” Jack Meyer said. “Sonya and I grew up in Aurora and this is a great place to be around people. We like that this is local and we’re supporting that.”
Amanda Sidhu of Aurora bought some bags of fruit and other items and said as far as markets go, “I like the options.”
“I do like the Wednesday market because it’s not as crowded or busy. It’s less congested and even though it’s smaller I still find what I need,” she said. “I’ve got the fresh fruit and vegetables and the jams and jellies. I’ll probably be here most of the eight weeks (the market runs).”
Jennifer Deens of Aurora also said she prefers the Wednesday market.
“I’m glad this is back. I’m so excited it’s open again and kind of regret it’s only for eight weeks. I wish it was longer,” Deens said.
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.