With the French Market now a thing of the past, the Village of Mokena is ready to step into the future with the Mokena Farmers Market, set to debut Saturday, April 28. Organized by the Mokena Downtown Merchants, the market will run Saturdays from April 28 through Oct. 20, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the Merchants can't wait to bring something fresh to Mokena. 

“We plan to provide a verity of vendors, for fresh produce, meats, cheeses and fresh bakery items, and many other types of sundries,” said spokespman Tony Dina at an April 23 village board meeting. “Also on board, are various non-profit organizations and information vendors, including the police and fire departments, girl scouts and boys scouts and other civic groups.”

Bergman added that the market will provide entertainment for shoppers, with two live bands performing during the opening festivities on Saturday.

Fifteen vendors are lined up for the market's opening day, but Bergman added that the Merchants hope to add more as the season progresses, along with sprinkling in other projects.

“We sincerely hope that this combined effort by all involved will continue in the future for other projects invoved with Front Street,” Bergman said.

After their presentation at the board meeting, Mayor Joe Werner applauded the efforts of the group so far and said that the Village has been receiving calls with questions about the market for some time now. He added that the Village supports the efforts of the Merchants and will help in any way it can in the future.

“We hope to see the residents out there, we hope to see the board members out there, and we'll do what we can to support it and hope that it goes very well for many, many years to come,” Werner said.

For more information about the Downtown Market can be directed to Tony Dina at (708) 525-0733, Charlene Bergman at (708) 479-2706 or Barbara Bergman at (708) 479-6182.

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