Janis Reeser
| Springfield State Journal-Register
UIC College of Nursing students celebrate graduating in Springfield
Watch as students from the University of Illinois Chicago celebrate graduating from nursing school in Springfield with a decades-old tradition.
The Illinois Product Farmers Market is set to open for the 19th season, offering locally grown food, entertainment and activities for families.
The market will run from 3:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday from May 7 to Sept. 24, excluding Aug. 13, 20 and 27, at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Ave., Springfield, according to a community announcement.
A variety of vendors will offer fresh produce, meats, baked goods and other products processed, produced or packaged in Illinois.
The market is presented by the Illinois Department of Agriculture in partnership with several sponsors, including the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Lincoln Land Community College and Springfield Clinic.
More: Here’s your guide to county fair season across central Illinois
Opening day will feature food and activities for families
Opening day will feature several food options, including barbecue from Nuthatch Hill BBQ, burgers from Edinburgers and mini donuts from Johnnie O’s Mini Donuts.
Family-friendly activities will include a Touch-A-Truck event, free balloon animals, face painting, yard games and a visit from the Springfield Art Association Make Truck.
Live music will be provided by Not Petty, and prize drawings will be held throughout the event.
Each visitor will receive a free reusable Illinois Product Market bag, and the Illinois Product Buy Local Prize Wheel will offer a chance to win prizes from Skateland, Happy Hour Pilates, the Aberham Lincoln Presidential Museum, HyVee, Illinois wineries and more.
Market offers LINK match program and weekly raffles
The market will offer a LINK match program. According to the announcement, for every dollar spent using LINK, customers will receive an additional dollar in LINK match to spend on fruits and vegetables.
Weekly raffles will offer $10 in “MarketCash” and an Illinois Product Basket.
Vendor space is still available
Space is still available for vendors interested in participating in the 2026 market. Those interested can contact the Illinois Department of Agriculture at agr.farmersmarket@illinois.gov.
This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
