List of French Country Market offerings growing
The city of Morris and 3 French Hens Co. have received overwhelming response towards the summertime French Country Markets to be held at CanalPort Park on W. Illinois Avenue this summer.
The markets will begin on Saturday, June 27, during downtown Morris' annual Nostalgia Days event. The market that day will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will offer a number of special opportunities.
Canoe rides will be offered on the I & M Canal, and the Morris Police Department will be on hand to share bicycle safety tips with children. They will also be discussing "Just Say No To Drugs."
Organizers are encouraging shoppers to bring their children to the market for bike safety, and enjoy the other children's events being offered.
Other markets are scheduled from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 11 and Aug. 8, the same days as Morris Cruise Nights, and Oct. 10, which will be a holiday preview and harvest market. Additionally, a market is set for 5 to 10 p.m. on Sept. 12, which is the evening of the final Morris Cruise Night of the season. Those planning to attend the market are encouraged to bring their flashlights for this evening event.
Many vendors have been added since the initial announcement of the markets was made, and organizers are still looking for others wishing to join the events to be held along the historic Illinois & Michigan Canal. Especially needed are vendors offering fresh produce, antiques, and handcrafted items, as well as all varieties of artisans.
Vendors already committed for the markets include:
• Dickman Farm's, Herscher, offering farm fresh beef, chicken and free-range eggs, as well as 13 types of sausage, turkey and elk. Dickman's supplies the meat to Wheaton College and the Signature Room restaurant atop the Hancock Building in Chicago. Bring your coolers for this purchase, which is guaranteed to be farm fresh.
• Gerri LaPradd, offering homemade soaps and soy candles
• Judy Hodgin, barn star decor and handcrafted baskets
• O'Connell Farms, farm-fresh honey
• Lucille O'Brien, Whims & Wishes jewelry and home decor
• Lestina's Catering, homemade pies
• Corleone's, famous Italian beef sandwiches and pasta salad
• Laurie Ragan, faux artist
• Jaimie Noon, fabric art, handbags and baby blankets
• Amy Cavaness, fabric art and redesigned clothing using vintage fabrics and chenilles
• Sarah Fisher, Lampwork Beads
• Eric Fisher, artist and illustrator of "Pond Punkies" ...kids can bring their copies of "Pond Punkies" and have Eric sign them
• Lorraine Morris, The Birds & The Teas
• Tony Minard, original photography
• The Green Racoon Furniture Rescue, antiques and vintage items
• Tracy Popplewell, barnwood furniture
With ads recently run in Romantic Homes and West Suburban Living Magazine, the market is hoping to entice shoppers from other towns to come experience our wonderful community.
For more information, visit www.3frenchhensmarket.blogspot.com or call (815) 941-0752.
