Elgin residents Josh Stuber and Sarah Goldman, with their 1-year-old son, Otis, in tow, strolled Spring Street Friday while shopping at the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market.
A sign at the stand for Three Bees Honey Farms of Streamwood and Marengo indicated vendor Christopher Vukelic accepted payment through various means, including relatively new mobile services such as Venmo and Zelle, for purchases made at the Downtown Elgin Farmers Market. Also helping bring in bigger crowds has been the city allowing patrons to purchase alcohol that can be consumed while shopping, said Elgin resident Tom Armstrong, who was enjoying a can of craft beer.
Also contributing to that vibe were food trucks from Serna’s Grill of Franklin Park and Culinary Gangster in Glenview and vendors hawking things like all-natural dog treats, artisanal breads, nontoxic skin care products, Mexican fruit snacks, herbal supplements, wellness teas, hot sauces, microgreens and myriad meat rubs.
“I had spotted it while working a side hustle as an Uber driver a couple years ago and thought it would be a good location,” Jalany said.