Tinley Residents Head to Market

The parking lot in Zabrocki Plaza was packed with cars and people Saturday but it wasn't a work day. It was the first day that the returned for the summer.

With more than 35 vendors selling their wares, the morning hours were filled with shoppers looking for items ranging from cheese to potted plants.

Open from 7 a.m. to noon — the same weekly hours it will keep from June 3 to Sept. 24—the market drew both locals and out-of-town visitors.

“We were just driving through town and we saw it, so we stopped,” said Amy Cox, of Crown Point, Ind., who was at the farmer's market with her mother, Beth Phelps. “Plus it's just such a beautiful day, so we had to stop.”

For Stamper Cheese Company vendor Joyce Callahan and Southwest Enterprises vendor Nick Smajo, the appeal of the farmer's market isn't just the ability to sell. It's the people they meet during their time at the market.

It's also a chance for families to enjoy a day together.

Kellie Loerop and her two daughters, Hannah, 6, and Lily, 2, enjoyed the market despite the scorching sun. Luckily for the Loerops, the market also sells sno-cones and cold beverages to cool down.

“There's lots of great stuff out here, and this year I've noticed there's lots of new stuff,” Kellie said. "That, and the sno-cones, too.”

The Tinley Park Farmer's Market will take place every Saturday through Sept. 24. For more information call 708-805-GROW.