Last week’s market saw record attendance. The weather was pleasant, and I think starting at 8 a.m. instead of 7 a.m. encouraged people to come out at their leisure. The comfort of the indoors, and ability to meander in a wider space also provide a more casual atmosphere for shopping. The outdoors are no longer calling, so why not spend a few hours taking your time perusing a market?
With the outdoor growing season gone, and the abundance of harvest dwindling, I imagine that we’re looking at one of the last opportunities to purchase (and stock up on) local produce. Kleiss Family Farm and Blue Moon Farm should both be in attendance with plenty of broccoli, squash, peppers, cauliflower, apples, and Brussels sprouts. With Hanukkiving/Thanksgivukkah rapidly approaching, why not get a head start on the cooking? (Hanukkah begins November 27th; Thanksgiving is November 28th.)Pick up your local produce and then take it home and give it them good prep (blanch and freeze, or pickle, for instance). You can then wow your fellow diners with local produce and your amazing ability to keep that produce fresh. The key to hosting a dinner party is having all of the prep done well in advance, right?
Baked goods will be available from Pekara and Earthly Pleasures. Sugar by Sarah will be there, too, with plenty of beautiful sweets for a Saturday morning treat.
If you’re not on the hunt for produce or baked items, you can definitely get a start on gifts-for-giving shopping. There are plenty of artisanal goods and crafts that are perfect for thank yous, birthdays, and, of course, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. There are handmade necklaces, rings, dog biscuits, jams and jellies, artful glass, and candles.
Additionally, each week the Urbana Business Association features a different vendor. 
This week they are featuring Illinois Willows, a vendor of fresh cut flowers. There’s nothing more delightful in the cold gray of late fall than a bright bouquet of flowers on a table, counter, or shelf.
Grab your warm morning beverage from Common Ground Food Co-op, Art Mart, or Flying Machine Coffee, and stroll through the Holiday Market this weekend.
Information:
Payment: Most vendors accept cash. A few may take personal check or credit cards, but that is less likely. There is an ATM in Lincoln Square mall.
Parking: Parking is available for free in all the lots surrounding Lincoln Square Mall.
For more information about the Holiday Market, check out the Urbana Business Association.
All photos from The Holiday Market Facebook page.
