2nd Annual Taste of Ravinia District Farmers Market

National Farmers Market Week is August 4-10, and Ravinia Farmers Market is celebrating with the 2^nd Annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market on Wednesday, August 7. This free all-day event (7 AM-8 PM) features 'farmers market to table' cooking demos (lunch and dinner), samples, recipes to use to shop for ingredients from market vendors, live music, family-friendly activities and more! 

Located along Dean Avenue and in Jens Jensen Park in the Ravinia District of Highland Park, the Ravina Farmers Market has been recognized as one of the top Farmers Markets on the North Shore for more than 45 years. Ed Kugler, farmers market guru and Highland Park resident, has been spreading the word about the benefits of fresh ingredients, artisan foods and items for over 40 years and is honored to be collaborating with the Ravinia Neighbors Association to share this educational ‘farmers market to table’ day with the public during National Farmers Market Week.

The Ravinia Farmers Market will take place, as usual from 7 AM-1 PM, followed by the Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market from 2-8 PM with live music beginning at 11:30 AM, interactive activities for all ages, and meet-and-greets with Highland Park government officials, law enforcement, and fire department.

Maya Rotman-Zaid, executive chef from Highland Park’s BellaRu Catering, will host ‘farmers market to table’ cooking demonstrations, offering samples, full portions for purchase, and recipes with a shopping list of onsite vendors from which to buy ingredients. Chef Rotman-Zaid will be joined by other local restaurants such as Ravinia Brewing Company and Viaggio. In addition, Ravinia Business District merchants will offer open houses, specials and some will have onsite booths in Jens Jensen Park.

Kugler has been a passionate organic grower for more than 15 years; a farmers market manager; and entrepreneur dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyles and supporting local communities through his work at the Ravinia Farmers Market and Organic Teaching Garden in Highland Park. He has devoted his life to spreading the message about the benefits of organic farming and is a long-time advocate for its widespread adoption. He is pleased to be celebrating the Market’s 45 anniversary, after creating the first annual Taste of Ravinia Farmers Market in 2023.

“I have been the Ravinia Farmers Market manager for the past seven years and was one of its original vendors in 1978, selling 10 varieties of organic sprouts and bakery goods ,” Kugler explains. “Our community’s lasting dedication to making this market successful is what makes me so invested in this celebration. Last year was such a success, with the community coming together with the Ravinia restaurants and farmers market vendors, that I decided to do it again!”

This family-friendly free event will offer multiple interactive activities, including games presented by the Park District of Highland Park, Hoverball Archery (3-7 PM), and more! Businesses will also offer giveaways and opportunities to win gift certificates and other prizes.

On-site Ravinia District vendors include Astra Coffee Roasters, Chunky Scone, LifeRhythms, Mil Colibris and Ravinia Brewing Company, to name a few.

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

11:30 AM- 12:45 PM: Gandy Gumbo (Delta Blues Trio ) 

1-2 PM: Tiny Country Duo (Country Duo) 

2:15-3:15 PM: Diamondback Trio (Honky Tonk Trio ) 

3:30-4:45 PM: James Conway (Traditional Irish music) 

5-6:15 PM: The Cellar Boys (Old Time Jazz Trio) 

6:30-8 PM: Railheart (Grateful Dead Tribute ) 

A special thanks to the Ravinia Farmers Market Sponsors: Ravinia Neighbors Association, Park District of Highland Park, Ravinia Festival, Presence Marketing and Taste Marketing, State Farm Joe Palminteri Insurance Agency, Carolyn Cerf @Properties/Christie’s International Real Estate, Chiro One Wellness Center, Illinois Farmers Market Association and Keyth Security. Music sponsors include Highland Park Community Foundation and Life Rhythms. Special gratitude also goes to the Friends of the Ravinia Farmers Market community sponsors.