Independence Park Farmers Market, Sunday, August 12

2011 and 2012 Michelin Guide recommended Farmers Market at Irving Park Road (4000 north) and Hamlin (3800 west), Chicago. Over 35 vendors selling everything from grilled English bangers to vegetarian tamales, crepes made-to-order to gourmet free trade coffee, Mirai corn so sweet it can eaten raw, organic fruits and seasonal vegetables, organic meats, including Halal lamb, honey, eggs, spices, gourmet fair trade coffee, baked goods, including gluten-free, cheeses, pet treats, olives and olive oils, handmade chemical-free soaps, shampoos and bug repellants, tofu and bean sprouts, gourmet ice creams and sorbets, blueberries, organic tomato-based sauces and salsas, jams and jellies, whoopie pies, and gourmet chocolates. Dave Is Sharp, our expert knife sharpener, will be at the market too. Drop off your dull knives and scissors for Dave to sharpen while you’re doing your shopping. Alderman Rey Colon, 35th Ward will be greeting constituents at the GIPNA table from about 9:30 to 1 pm. Bring your plastic bags to the market and give them to Claire for her high school Go Green Project. She’ll give you a green bag and information on why it’s so important to recycle the plastic bags. Her booth will be in front of the field house. Join Multi-lingual Chicago from 9 to 10 am for an interactive, immersive and culturally rich Spanish class for kids. Children will learn Spanish through games, art projects, songs and lots of laughter. Free Children’s Craft Class, taught by a neighborhood artist, 10 am to noon, will be Sharpie T-Shirts. It’s kind of like tie-dye, but will use permanent markers. Some T-shirts will be supplied, but you can bring your own plain white 100% cotton prewashed T-shirt too. Small children will need their parent’s help. Local institution Chicago Dance, a Latin and ballroom dance school, will be at the market from 10:30 to 12:30. Of course, our favorite bluegrass musicians will be playing and singing during the market too. Bring along your guitar or banjo and singing voice to join in the fun with them. Free parking in the south lot on Springfield Ave. next to the field house or on Irving Park Road. #80 Irving Park Road bus stops at Hamlin and also at Springfield; Irving Park Road Blue Line stop is two blocks west of the park.