Make one stop for veggies, vintage at Farmers Market in East Dundee

Forget the garage sales; this may be a really great year for Dundee's Old Farmers Market, the market coordinator said.

With all the vendors in one place, the Dundee Township Visitors Center, at one time -- from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday -- customers don't have to use their cars or the gas it takes to power them.

They can just drive to North River Street in East Dundee and shop for their produce, bedding plants, antiques and collectibles.

"I think this will be bigger than garage sales this year," said June Boeckh, the market's coordinator.

"We're going to see more people selling and more people browsing. I'm averaging about 10 calls a week from people who want to be in on it."

The market opens for the season Saturday and runs until Oct. 25. Booth space is less than $25 and vendors can sell any type of items, as long as they are not weapons, drugs, pornography or alcohol.

"We are very strict about that. We are a family-oriented market. We want people to feel comfortable shopping here," Boeckh said.

She is so strict about the terms that a few years ago, she gave one vendor two Band-Aids to place over a photograph of a topless Marilyn Monroe.

"I told him next week, she better be wearing a shirt."

People who sell at the market won't make their millions there, but they may make enough to cover the price of putting gasoline in their cars.

With the right items, many of the 45-55 vendors make at least $100 for seven hours they stand in the sun or rain.

Among the items for sale are fresh vegetables, bedding plants, glassware, jewelry, old magazines and furniture.

A half-dozen vendors have been with the market since it started nearly 16 years ago. They've sold through good economic times and recessions.

And they have watched a parade of other vendors who have come and go.

The appeal of the market has grown, Boeckh said. Gardeners and farmers come in from Marengo to sell their produce. And antique dealers have come from Chicago to sell.

"A few weeks ago, I got a call from someone in Michigan who wants to be part of it," she said. "We definitely have created a name for ourselves."

For information about the market, call Boeckh at (847) 742-3432.