Bringing food, flowers and family fun to area residents, Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will debut its rebranded “Chicago City Markets presented by Country Financial” at multiple downtown venues beginning in May.
Two kickoff events are slated: May 11 at the Daley Plaza Market at 50 W Washington Street and May 14 at the Maxwell Street Market at 800 S. Desplaines Street. Complete location and schedule information is listed at chicagofarmersmarkets.us and maxwellstreetmarket.us.
Highlighting the theme of “Give, Grow and Be Green,” event sponsor Country Financial recently announced a reusable bag design contest for Chicago Public Schools students.
The bag design contest winner will be announced at the May 11 opening, and bags sporting the design will be offered all season. Mike Fisher, vice president of community development at Country Financial, expressed excitement about the project.
“We’re thrilled to be sponsoring our 11th opening day of the Chicago City Markets,” he said.
Area residents will have a choice of Daley Plaza, Maxwell Street Market and additional community markets to browse locally crafted goods and buy directly from artisans and vendors. Locations were planned with the needs of communities lacking access to fresh produce in mind, encouraging neighborhood dwellers to take advantage of the markets’ proximity to their homes.
“Chicago City Markets are farmers markets and more,” Mark Kelly, commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, said. “Our markets provide residents with access to fresh and healthy food, and unique Chicago-made products and other merchandise, but they also bring communities together, many offering live music and other cultural activities.”
Vendor applications are available at chicagofarmersmarkets.us and may be submitted until April 10.
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