It’s April already and I am so glad that it’s actually starting to feel like it! (I’ll never forget the April blizzard of a few years back…) The ground is warming, the sun is still going strong when I get out of the office. And things are heating up here at The Land Connection too.

We are getting ready for the second season of the Champaign Farmers’ Market, and there is plenty to do! With organizing vendors and sponsors, securing marketing and publicity, designing banners and fliers, and planning events and activities, there is barely a moment NOT to think about the market. And although it is a lot of preparation work, personally, I can’t wait until May begins and I get to spend my Tuesday afternoons in the summer air, seeing friendly faces shopping for fresh produce and adorable dogs brought along for the ride.

I’m looking forward to walking through the aisles and perusing all the beautiful, colorful produce and chatting with the vendors, tasting cheeses from Prairie Fruits and Ludwig, and getting a sweet treat from Kaya at Hopscotch. I love to watch the kids hanging around the Kid’s Table and seeing what creations they create in chalk on the pavement while local musicians jam out a few feet away.

It’s hard work but to us, it’s all worth it. We hope it means as much to the Champaign-Urbana community as it does to us! That’s why we have our Friends of the Market program in full swing now, in hopes that it will inspire neighbors, friends, and family to come out and support the market however they can, whether through a donation of money or volunteer time. A farmers’ market is not just about food, it’s about community and bringing people together. Farmers, consumers, business owners, home cooks and chefs can all get behind growing our local food system and having a damn good time doing it!