WICKER PARK — For the first time ever, the Wicker Park Farmers Market will extend its season through the winter — and go indoors.
Market manager Alice Howe confirmed the extended season on Monday, and said it was prompted by an offer of space from the owners of Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave., which features an events venue in the back of its butcher, restaurant and bar.
“The chamber and I have always wanted the market to move indoors. … I’m beginning to recruit vendors this week. Almost half of the vendors [from the summer market] have already said they want to participate,” Howe told Block Club.
The Wicker Park Farmers Market kicked off in June and currently runs outdoors in the park at 1425 N. Damen Ave. from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays through October 28. It features 29 vendors.
The new winter market in the back of Chop Shop will be able to accommodate up to 20 vendors. Howe said market fans will need to wait and see which vendors are selected for the winter market after all the applications are turned in.
There will be a month break in November before the winter market starts in December. The Wicker Park Farmers Market winter hours will be 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturdays through the end of May.
