Writer / Jane VanOsdol
If it were up to Gregg Boyd, Saturday, June 14 would be a picture-perfect morning with a crowd of vendors and shoppers gathered for the opening of the Cicero Farmer’s Market on the Lake. Boyd is neither lacking in enthusiasm nor vision for the market. What he is lacking is vendors.
Being that the market was just recently approved by the town board, he’s hopeful they’ll soon have a crowd of people ready to sell their produce and other wares at the market.
Magic Number
The magic number is 20—that is, 20 vendors needed to sign up in order to hold the market, but they have room for a total of 45. With the idea just a few weeks old, they already have five signed up. Boyd would like to see a variety of products at the market. “We’re hopeful to have the traditional vegetables and crops, and then we’ve also had calls from people with handcrafted items and outdoor furniture, too,” he said. Those interested in being a vendor or who would like to volunteer to help run the market should send an email to info@lazyfrogg.com. The market will run from 7:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Compared to many of the other local markets, the Cicero market has some of the most accommodating vendor rules around. Here’s the rundown:
*Low cost. The Cicero Farmer’s Market on the Lake is being sponsored by the new Lazy Frogg on Lake Cicero restaurant, so they will be covering many of the costs. Vendors will pay only $19 per Saturday, which covers insurance, trash removal, and a few other items.
*No contract. Vendors can sign up one week and then not the next. Spots are based upon availability, first come, first served. If you do sign up for an entire month, then the balance of the summer is half price or $10 per week.
*Parking is provided. Merchants and shoppers can park in the Lazy Frogg’s parking lot.
*Great location. The market is at 409 Jackson Street in Cicero (at the Lazy Frogg), right on the water. The new bridge/boardwalk across the lake will be ready in June, and it will end directly at the market.
*Pitch in. Vendors need to come early to help with the set-up and stay to help with the tear-down.
*Tents. A few vendor tents will be provided, but organizers are also looking for vendors to bring some as well.
Boyd believes the market will have a wide appeal. “It’s meant to be an activity for families to do together on a Saturday morning,” he said. “You won’t want to miss it.”
