The Morrison Farmers’ Market held their Annual Evening Market and Taste of Morrison on Wednesday, July 29, 2015, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Morrison, IL. It was a most pleasant affair. Visit the Morrison Farmers’ Market Saturday, August 1, from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., behind Whiteside County Court Services, 204 E. Lincolnway. Evening vendors will be there with nutritious, fresh vegetables and more. Steve Morris, Prophetstown, IL, resident and Market vendor, will provide the music. He plays drums with “The Funnies.”
Seasonal produce, food, baked goods, meat, flowers, beauty products, crafts, and artisan products were just some of the items that were available. Community organizations–such as Morrison Schools Foundation, Morrison Seahorses, and Friends of the Parks–offered information, sign-ups, and/or giveaways. The American Legion sold boxed American flags, which would make a fine gift. Music was provided by Derek Luttrell.
Five downtown restaurants offered dine-in specials: Happy Joe’s, Hardee’s, Isle of Rhodes, KJ’s Bar & Grill, and Original Taco.
Eight street vendors and organizations sold a variety of food: Co-Z Corner Convenience Store, Crossroads Community Church, Farmers National Bank, St. Jude Rides, Morrison Brethren in Christ Church, Morrison (High School) Pons, Morrison Seahorse Swim Club, and Thai by Kai.
Paula Rodriguez and Linda Temple, intrepid mission volunteers, had nachos to eat and burritos to order as a fundraiser. Their trip to Africa has been postponed until 2016, but the fundraising continues.
The Hardee’s mascot was accompanied along Main Street. Shown with him, left-to-right are Danny Willis, District Manager Scott Mathe, and Morrison Hardee’s manager, Trina Renkes. Five-year-old Gianna Vance stands in front with Happy Star.
Supporting familiar vendors and meeting new ones is what makes Morrison Farmers’ Market a discovery each week. Linda Von Holten is a visual artist, skilled in acrylics, mixed media, and photography. She displayed colorful paintings and her line of “Brace Yourself” bracelets. These are designed from belts–think Grandpa’s or Dad’s piece of leather to wear around a wrist. She adorns them with decorative findings and vintage jewelry. Von Holten offers “An Artful Party” for groups. Reach her at 815-626-3240.
The evening market sponsor was Farmers National Bank, 1100 E. Lincolnway, Morrison. Who could fault them for running out of free DQ Grill & Chill mini Blizzards? One street conversation involved the delicious flavors for sale this month.
An alternate treat was root beer floats across the street, at the St. Jude Rides booth. Rick Smith, below, and wife Darlene, Kent and Audrey Humphrey, and Milt and Jan Bush soon will ride motorcycles to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Their caravan, composed of 28 groups, raised $65,000 last year. This is Rick’s fifth year as a fund raiser. The event is Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4.
Strolling leisurely, sitting at picnic tables, and chatting with friends or acquaintances was a convivial way to pass a few hours. The summer weather was conducive to all of these. My family members, optometrist, and traveling companion are in the left photograph. Ellen Callihan, Vicki Hanson, and daughter Joanna Klein (former journalist for thecity1.com) are in the adjoining one.
Community events such as this require many people working together. Morrison High School Basketball teams and Varsity coaches assisted by setting up and tearing down the site, including picnic tables and garbage removal.
The regular Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday through September 26, rain or shine, behind Whiteside County Court Services, 204 E. Lincolnway, Morrison.
For more information, visit morrisonfarmersmarket.com, call 815-564-7427, or Like them on Facebook.