One reason Morrison’s Farmers’ Market is called “The Best Little Farmers’ Market in Northwest Illinois” is that it is ever-changing. Certainly, produce and plants come and go during the growing season. So, too, do vendors or what they offer from week-to-week. Live musical entertainment may involve popular repeat performers, but their repertoire is never the same. The anticipation of a new experience is reason to visit often.
Jim Seeley‘s skillful instrumentals transport you! They entice you to the parking lot behind Morrison’s Heritage Museum and envelope you as you walk through. He is from Tampico, IL. You can book him for performances or karaoke nights by calling 815-438-2316.
Linda Temple, pictured left, and Darla Habben offered tasty breakfast food to finance a mission trip to El Salvador. Temple and Paula Rodriguez will visit from Wednesday, August 21, through Wednesday, August 27. Although Rodriguez has traveled to El Salvador, it is a new experience for Temple.
Crossroads Church in Morrison sponsors children through the “Compassion International” program, with church and individual offerings to help needy children.
The women will bring care packages for the sponsored children and meet with as many as possible. It is estimated that “more than 50” children are sponsored by Crossroads Church.
The Bender sisters, Lydia, 15, and Marta, 20, respectively, sold real and artistic pieces of nature. Earlier that morning, colorful bunches of sunflowers and zinnias came from the family plot at Morrison Community Garden, in French Creek Park. Deep burgandy sunflowers, as well as the traditional gold, were a sell-out. Marta is a gifted photographer, with a special fondness for nature. She stands beside her photograph of a ruffled ornamental cauliflower. The girls will return to the market.
Zachary Isenhart returned for a second week. He brought produce “straight from [his] garden” in Chadwick, IL. He grows a half acre of vegetables. Today’s veggies included green bell, halapeno, and banana peppers; zucchini; salad tomatoes; lettuce; fragrant peppermint; cucumbers; snow peas. Most items were sold early. Maroon calla lilies brightened a jar and could be purchased.
A plethora of handcrafts were available from JoAnn Frederick of Prophetstown, IL. This is her first year at the Farmers’ Market. Many of her colorful artworks glittered in the sun: irridescent fused glass pendants; stainless steel serving pieces, adorned with glass beads and wire-wrapping; fused bottles repurposed into spoon rests, dishes, and beaded wind chimes. Frederick creates the popular “barn quilts” in more muted tones. A 12″ square is $30; the 24″ size is $65; a large 48″ piece is $175. Her phone number is 815-537-2455.
Darnell Blacklock, is an artist with food and beverages. She owns Darnell Dishes It Out, a home-based catering business. Blacklock prepares main dishes and sides and delivers to your door. Her slogan is, “I’ll do dinner while you do other things.” She prepared two drinks for market visitors: iced chocolate coffee and mango-peach iced tea. There were dainty, yummy tarts at two for $1: strawberry, red plum, and sugar cinnamon with a cream cheese filling.
Daughter Hannah made the samples of creamy Italian dressing. She is 17, and–like Linda Temple–is looking for jobs to fund a travel adventure. Hannah is “Fundin’ 4 London.” She and Paige Shirk attended dance camp and qualified for the UDA “All American Dance Team.” They will perform with 10,000 other dancers in England, during the London Varsity Tour. Only 1000 All American girls were chosen. Tyler Smith of Dancer’s Hut, 123 W. Main Street, Morrison, is their teacher. Her trip costs $3200, so Hannah would appreciate an opportunity to earn her share. Call her at 815-631-3916 if you need a hand.
