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The Woodstock Farmers
Market has existed for 22 years and is held on the historic Woodstock Square.
Woodstock is located approximately 50 miles northwest of Chicago. Situated in
the center of McHenry County, it serves as the county seat. McHenry County is
rapidly becoming urbanized. Initially the majority of homes, businesses, and
industry were located on the eastern edge along the Fox River. Growth rapidly
radiated to the west. Thousands of acres of prime agricultural land still
exists, however the ability of small specialty crop growers to continue their
agriculture pursuits depends on being able to directly market their crops.
Originally The
Woodstock Farmers market occupied just five parking spaces and was held only one
day a week. The location rotated around the brick streets of the downtown
square. The market opened in June and ended in September and was sponsored by
the Woodstock Chamber of Commerce.
In 1995, the farmers
became more directly involved in running the market. A small group of farmers
met, agreed upon a set of rules, secured a permanent location, assigned spaces,
set fees, purchased signage, and developed publicity strategies. The first
Market Manager was Keith Johnson, a charter organizer of one of the most
successful organic grower’s cooperatives in Wisconsin. There were approximately
eight participants at this time and Woodstock was established as a producer’s
market, allowing only product that was grown or produced by the farmer.
The Woodstock Farmers
Market has continued to meet each year with all of the producers to decide who
will serve on the committee. A market manager is selected to enforce rules. In
1997, a second market was added on Saturday. The market was initially located
at the train depot parking lot and in 1999 it moved to the Square. This way
both markets enjoy the historic downtown business area (the square is on the
National Register and is a Local Historic District) and they help bring shoppers
into a central business district. The Square is very much alive with the Opera
House, the Old Courthouse Arts Center, restaurants, coffee bars, bakeries, banks
and retail businesses. Other features of the square are the many special
community events—weddings, band concerts, folk music fests, and civic ceremonies
held in the park. The Square serves as a commons, drawing the community
together.
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