I Just Can’t Wait to Get on the Road Again
I was still pretty new in my good food advocacy second career when I was able to attend the Farm Aid festival held here in Chicago (at Northerly Island) in September 2015 on behalf of FamilyFarmed, where I then worked. It was one of the best and most inspiring events I’ve ever attended.
I kept hoping that Farm Aid would return to Chicago or at least close enough for me to easily travel to get there. I came close in 2019 when the event was held at Alpine Valley, Wisconsin, but was undermined by some bizarre office politics, and the wait continued.
So you can imagine my delight a few weeks ago when Farm Aid announced this year’s festival will be held in Noblesville, Indiana, near Indianapolis. I applied for press credentials the same day and I’m thrilled to tell you that I will be covering Farm Aid 2023 for Local Food Forum.
The event takes place on September 23 and I’ll have lots more to say in the couple of months until then. I am so grateful to the Farm Aid team for an opportunity that I couldn’t be certain would come around again.
Farm Aid 2015 was the only time I’ve seen the venerable Willie Nelson (a Farm Aid co-founder) perform live (see the photo above). He just turned 90 and I’d been joking that I wanted to see him in concert once more before he outlives me.
I’ve also been a fan of Neil Young (also a Farm Aid co-founder) since my teens long ago, and through some serendipity (it’s a long story) I ended up in the wings just offstage for his 2015 set. The photo above is one of many that I took.
I don’t know what adventures await me at this year’s Farm Aid, but I can’t wait.
Ravinia Market’s 45th, With Music in the Air
When most people around Chicagoland hear “Ravinia,” they think of the annual outdoor summer concert venue in the southern part of north suburban Highland Park. There is, however, a Ravinia Farmers Market that has played an important role in the local community, and it is celebrating its 45th anniversary — making it one of the longest running markets in our region — with a day-long celebration on Wednesday, August 9.
The event is produced by Ed Kugler, Ravinia market manager for the past seven years and an organic grower who was one of the first vendors when the market first opened in 1978.
The celebration kicks off in Jens Jensen Park with the regular Wednesday market hours of 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 9, with musical entertainment overlapping with the last two hours of the market.
Then the Taste of Ravinia commences at 2 p.m. at the market site and adjacent Dean Ave. with more music, Irish dancing, axe throwing and more. And food, of course, with Ravinia District restaurants offering menu items made with fresh ingredients from the Market.
Ravinia Farmers Market is easy to get to by car, and the Ravinia station for the Metra commuter trains (which is how I plan to travel to the event) is a short block from Jens Jensen Park. And if you’re in the North Shore area or want a preview, the market has its regular hours tomorrow (July 26) and next week (August 2).
Here are all the details from the Taste of Ravinia press release.
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INAUGURAL TASTE OF RAVINIA BRINGS TOGETHER RAVINIA DISTRICT BUSINESSES WITH RAVINIA FARMERS MARKET VENDORS
An all-day celebration kicking off August 9 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Ravinia Farmers Market and the 25th anniversary of the Ravinia Neighbors Association
For 45 years, the Highland Park community has enjoyed the fresh ingredients and foods from the Ravinia Farmers Market, and for 25 years the Ravinia Neighbors Association has brought together the Ravinia community and businesses. To commemorate these anniversaries, Highland Park farmers market guru Ed Kugler is pleased to connect the community, farmers and Ravinia District businesses to host the inaugural Taste of Ravinia on August 9 in Jens Jensen Park and along Dean Avenue for an all-day celebration.
The market will commence as usual from 7 a.m.-1 p.m., followed by the Taste of Ravinia from 2-8 p.m. with live music, Ravinia District restaurants offering menu items made with fresh ingredients from the Ravinia Farmers Market, interactive activities for all ages, and meet-and-greets with Highland Park government officials, law enforcement, and fire department.
Kugler has been a passionate organic grower for 15 years, farmers market manager, and entrepreneur dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyles and supporting local communities through his work at the Ravinia Farmers Market and Organic Teaching Garden in Highland Park, IL. He has devoted his life to spreading the message about the benefits of organic farming, is a long-time advocate for its widespread adoption, and is pleased to be celebrating these anniversaries by creating the first annual Taste of Ravinia.
“I have been the Ravinia Farmers Market manager for the last seven years and was one of its original vendors in 1978,” Kugler explains. “Our community’s lasting dedication into making this market successful is what makes me so invested in creating this celebration. I want the community to come together with the Ravinia restaurants and farmers market vendors and enjoy a fun summer celebration honoring community and connectivity.”
In addition to live music from 2-8 p.m., this family-friendly free event will offer multiple interactive activities including games presented by the Park District of Highland Park, Irish dancing (1-2 p.m.), ax throwing (5:30-7:30 p.m.), Yana’s Barbershop offering complimentary services outside (tips encouraged!), and more!. Businesses will also offer giveaways and opportunities to win gift certificates and other prizes.
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE
11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Peace Talks Trio (Folk Pop)
1:30-2:30 p.m.: Pierce Crask (Americana Blues)
3-4 p.m.: Diamondback Duo (Honky Tonk)
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Mahany Music (Show Tunes)
6-7 p.m.: Gandy Gumbo (New Orleans Roots)
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Al Rose & Steve Doyle Duo (Folk Rock)
A special thanks to our Ravinia Farmers Market Sponsors: Carolyn Cerf @Properties, Christine’s International Real Estate, Chiro One Wellness Center, Illinois Farmers Market Association, Keyth Security, Park District of Highland Park,, Ravinia Neighbors Association, State Farm Joe Palminteri Insurance Agency, and Taste Marketing. Music Sponsors are Highland Park Community Foundation and Life Rhythms.
ABOUT ED KUGLER
Kugler has been dedicated to the organic food movement for more than 40 years. In 1978 he opened the Sprout Shop in Highland Park, which was an organic food-buying club. This was the same year that the Ravinia Farmers Market started and he became a vendor there for three years in which he sold a variety of sprouts, salads, dressings, and organic baked deserts. From 1990-2004 Kugler started the Organic Farming and Food Festival in downtown Chicago, which featured 20 different vendors, all promoting organics. In 2010, his Taste-A-Thon booths began appearing at events such as the 4th of July Highland Park Parade and the Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival.
Since 2010, Kugler has provided his home farmscape as the Highland Park High School S.P.I.N Garden program, where over 200 students learn about urban agriculture and organic food production, and come to assist in maintaining and care for the gardens. This gives students a hands-on learning experience in organic gardening techniques, shows how to create edible landscaping, and promotes the value of a sustainable lifestyle through supporting the local community and reducing our carbon footprint. He became Manager of the Ravinia Farmers Market in 2017.
For more information on the Ravinia Farmers Market email Ed Kugler at raviniafm@gmail.com or visit RaviniaFarmersMarket.org.
Thank you for sharing all the great info about the Ravinia Farmers Market!