The Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market is a summer staple in Alton. Summer is fast approaching and many locals are excited for the market to reopen. Starting May 13, it will be held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in Argosy’s overflow parking lot. 

From young to old, the market has something for everyone. Farm fresh food, art from local artists, medicinal elixirs, clothing, house decor, and much more can be found. With the market opening soon, vendors are making preparations.

Levi Ahlin from Wild Little Farm is starting his first year at the market with his family. He, his wife and two little girls will be with him to work. Ahlin is from Jerseyville and creates holistic and medicinal elixirs with elderberries, gluten-free baked goods and other unique items. 

 “I currently am preparing to take a class to be able to sell the food products that I have,”  Ahlin said. He also mentioned how excited he is to watch his dream come to life and have his family there with him. 

“To prepare, I am taking care of my greenhouse produce like sweet corn and zucchini, and baking all the sweets for the bakery side,” Paul Barnett of Pete’s Produce said. He listed that he has just perfected recipes for items like salsa, jelly, pickles, cinnamon rolls, cookies and cupcakes.

Barnett also shared that the people who come to the market are what makes it special to him. Before farming his father’s land, Barnett was a Chemistry teacher.

The Farmers’ and Atrisans’ Market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon starting on May 13 and ending on Oct. 21.