Just one week until the start of the 2016 Champaign Farmers’ Market, and it’s time to (re)introduce you to an old friend:We’ve gotten to know our good friend Monsieur Aubergine well since his debut at the 2015 Bastille Day market, so well that we’re now on a first name basis, and that name is Eggwardo.
Eggwardo’s had a busy off-season, travelling the world:
He’s even made friends with eccentric celebrities around the country, like the Bangor Maine Duck of Justice:
But now he’s back and ready to get to work promoting local food in Champaign-Urbana. The Champaign Farmers’ Market kicks off on May 3, and Eggwardo is super excited about what’s in store for 2016. He can’t wait to reunite with his favorite vendors and shoppers!
We’ve got a number of great activities lined up for Opening Day, thanks to the generous support of One Main Development. We’ll have a great lineup of vendors, with even more variety this year. The City of Champaign Sustainability Team will be on hand, and we’ll be holding a plant drive for the North Randolph Street Community Garden. Shoppers who buy plant starts from our vendors, and donate one to the Garden will receive a Keep Champaign Beautiful bag and some great TLC goodies. The Orpheum Children’s Science Museum will also be joining us with kids’ activities. They’ll be at the market more regularly this season, so bring the kids along to learn something fun while you shop for great, local food!
To celebrate our return, we’re holding a special promotion with several fabulous downtown Champaign businesses. It’s time to play Where’s Eggwardo?
The rules are simple. Visit the businesses listed below, and look around for this guy:
Pick up a card from your first business (or at the Market, starting May 3) and get a sticker from each business where you find Eggwardo. (Pro-tip: he’s not camera-shy, and he loves selfies! Post a fun pic with our friend on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #thereseggwardo, and we’ll pick our favorite for a special prize!) Find Eggwardo in at least 7 of these great downtown Champaign establishments, and you’ll be eligible for a drawing at the May 17 Market for a gift basket. Just drop your passport off at The Land Connection informational tent, located at hte southern end of the Market Tuesdays from 4-7. Complete the whole card and get two entries for the drawing!
You can find Eggwardo hiding out at these fine businesses. Let’s get out and show Downtown Champaign some love!
| 10,000 Villages | Columbia Street Roastery | Pizzeria Antica |
| Aroma Cafe | Fleurish | Skins n’ Tins Drum Shop |
| Big Grove Tavern | Jane Addams Book Shop | Watson’s Shack & Rail |
| Cafe Kopi | Orpheum Children’s Science Museum | |
| Circles | Pekara Bakery & Bistro |
We’ll see you at the Champaign Farmers’ Market on May 3!
