Evanston residents and visitors came together on August 11 to explore the stalls, meet with friends and neighbors, and have fun at the Church & Dodge Market.
The markets, sponsored by the Church & Dodge Business Association, take place on the second Sunday of every month from June through October.
It was a tailor-made day for an outdoor game of chess on the giant black chessboard with larger-than-life pieces that Evanston set up for the event on the property at the southeast corner of Church Street and Dodge Avenue. Some of the adults playing said they learned from their elementary school-aged children.
“We wanted to come when we heard the chessboard was going to be here,” said Brenda Gerena, who was at the market with her 8-year-old son, Sebastian. “Most of what I know about the game I learned from him,” she said.
Fifth District City Council member Bobby Burns, his wife Christa Shavers and their nearly one-year-old daughter Angeli, bought handmade soaps and lotions at the Grandma Fannie booth, where saleswoman Rebecca Adams offered samples.
Burns said new vendors are welcome.
“If you are a vendor, run a local business or have a product you want to sell to the community, come and showcase your talent,” Burns said, adding that vendors can email City of Evanston Economic Development Coordinator Katie Boden at [email protected].
Burns encouraged residents to visit the market – a small, cheerful place offering fresh produce, handmade goods, baked goods and more.
“We want community members to come,” he said. “You can play some games, meet your neighbors, bring the kids. It’s a family-friendly event. Come by, get some ice cream and support local businesses.”
The next Church & Dodge Market will be on Sunday, September 8th from 1pm to 5pm.