Inaugural Taste Of Ravinia to Include Local Market and Family Events

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Ravinia Neighbors Association and the 45th anniversary of the Ravinia Farmers Market, an all-day celebration will take place on August 9 in Jens Jensen Park and along nearby Dean Avenue, in the Ravinia District of Highland Park. The inaugural Taste of Ravinia, featuring local restaurants and businesses, will highlight the afternoon and evening festivities.

The weekly farmers market will be open from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the Taste of Ravinia from 2 to 8 p.m., with live music, entertainment, local vendors and family-focused activities. Ravinia businesses and area restaurants will offer dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, including some obtained from market farmers and other producers. The event will also include interactive activities for all ages and meet-and-greets with Highland Park government officials and members of local law enforcement and the fire department.

Live music performers include Peace Talks Trio (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Pierce Crask (1:30 to 2:30 p.m.), Diamondback Duo (3 to 4 p.m.), Mahany Music (4:30 to 5:30 p.m.), Gandy Gumbo (6 to 7 p.m.) and the Al Rose & Steve Doyle Duo (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.). Activities will include family-themed games hosted by the Park District of Highland Park, Irish dancing (1 to 2 p.m.), ax throwing (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), a neighborhood business information table and open houses from local businesses. Merchants will offer giveaways and opportunities to win gift certificates and other prizes.

Event organizer and Highland Park resident Ed Kugler has been a passionate organic food grower for 15 years, and is an entrepreneur dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyles and supporting local communities through his work at the market and his Organic Teaching Garden.  He says, “I have been the Ravinia Farmers Market manager for the last seven years and was one of its original vendors in 1978. Our community’s lasting dedication into making this market successful is what makes me so invested in creating this celebration. I want the community to come together with the Ravinia restaurants, merchants and farmers market vendors and enjoy a fun summer celebration honoring community and connectivity.”

Admission is free. For more information, email [email protected] or visit
RaviniaFarmersMarket.com.