The Park Ridge Farmers Market began its season on May 23. The morning was cool and drizzly, making it pleasant for visitors. This year marks the first season without access to the AT&T parking lot at 36 S. Prairie Avenue. Although there were some comments about the unused lot, vendors and guests found ample parking around the event’s perimeter.

Despite the weather, many residents attended the annual market kickoff. After years of discussions about potential relocation due to AT&T’s plans to reclaim the lot, this year’s market felt familiar. The market moved slightly westward to an area near Garden and Cumberland Park, offering picnic tables, live music, and nearby food vendors.

I’m selling hot dogs, and it’s 8 in the morning, so it’s pretty good, laughed Nick Cataudella, owner of Nicky C’s Red Hots hot dog cart.

Nick, a vendor of six years, didn’t mind the new layout. An hour into the market, the atmosphere was lively with filled picnic tables and food lines stretching along Garden Street.

The market features many returning vendors annually. Organizers noted minor changes happens as some vendors transition to brick-and-mortar shops. This year is expected to deliver a similar experience.

Karen Grunschel, co-master of the market, expressed her delight in returning after the winter break:

We’re really excited. It’s good weather. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and it’s not raining. We’ll take it.

Her colleague, Stephanie Goodrich, emphasized ongoing improvements based on community and vendor feedback:

It’s never the same market. We’re always changing.

As the year progresses and growing seasons shift, new produce will be available. Many vegetable vendors offered potted herbs and flowers in the opening week, with crops like berries and beans expected soon.

Tidey Farms, a long-standing vendor with 35 years of participation, uses greenhouses to offer tomatoes and other vegetables earlier than others. Kathy Tidey of Tidey Farms explained that warmer months will bring more strawberries, blueberries, and summer crops. The new market setup suits her well, and she intends to continue participating.

Meg Rickman, a market attendee from Chicago, noted finding parking was easy, despite the lack of the AT&T lot. She often bikes to the market but managed to secure a space upon driving this time.