ROCHELLE – Once again the popular outdoor farmer’s market sponsored by the Cypress House will be held in Rochelle on the last Saturday of the month from June through September on 10th Avenue between Eighth Street and Seventh Street.
Visitors can purchase locally grown food and handmade arts and crafts, while also enjoying lunch served up by several food vendors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event is a great way for members of the community to buy locally grown foods, but it also aims to attract people from other communities to visit Rochelle.
“Our hope is that people from out of town might come in and visit us in the morning, and then stay in town for the day,” explained Amy Creuziger, barista and sales associate for the Cypress House. “They can check out the stores downtown or use our bike paths, just enjoy Rochelle”
While the market may attract people from out of town, local community members begin looking forward to the event all year.
“We have people throughout the year asking when the markets are going to start,” said Creuziger. “School gets out at the end of May, so people are already in the summer mode, looking forward to the markets starting.”

The farmer’s market has been going on for the last six years, and was created to provide members of the community access to healthy, homegrown, farm to table food. The Cypress House adds new vendors and booths each year to offer attendees the best selection.
“We are hoping to have more produce at the markets this year, we have reached out to a few new farmers in this area,” explained Krista Stewart, owner of the Cypress House. “Also, I think we will have more food vendors, and a vendor that will be selling sprouts and other microgreens.”
Since the beginning of the event, it has continued to grow within the community. This year’s market will feature booths from local businesses and organizations such as the Flagg-Rochelle Community Park District, the Rochelle Township High School Future Farmer’s of America, Rochelle Police Department, Rochelle Fire Department and more.
“I feel like we have really got to where some of the other businesses and entities in town are supporting the market,” said Stewart.
In addition to the regular farmer’s market, a smaller market is held every Saturday from June through August. The smaller market on the lawn offers more of the basics and less of the handmade arts and crafts.
“The market on the lawn is more of a necessity type market, where we have the basics like farm eggs, produce and artisan breads,” explained Stewart.
For more information on the Cypress House outdoor markets, or to sign up to be a vendor, visit their website at cypresshouse.net.