09/23/2026
As we approach the final market of the year, we want to express a lot of gratitude to and for this market and those who choose to make it part of their Saturdays. The effort that goes into planning it and the vendors who make it a priority to wake up early on a Saturday morning (some of whom have already worked a full time job elsewhere), travel to Peoria, set up, and show off the fruits of their labor to the whole community is admirable. It requires a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but with such tremendous support from the community, you all make it worth it and we keep showing up. So thank you all!
I've been selling into this market for 9 years now (the first photo is from my first Peoria Riverfront Market back in 2018!) and it continues to get better and better. The vendors get better, the special activities, and the community support. I've seen full cycles of parents shopping with us, then their children following behind them. I've had community members who have supported us and then moved away to better their careers, some who have returned to Peoria, some who have not. I've had customers go on to the next realm. I've seen kids grow up and go off to college. I've seen young couples get married and start families. It has been so fulfilling, on a personal level, for me to be able to get to know community members in all walks of life who allow DRF into their lives by chatting with us at market or getting our produce. I feel like a part of the community and the Peoria Riverfront Market sets the stage for that.
So if you love the Peoria Riverfront Market. If it makes you feel a closer connection with the Peoria community. Or if you just love loading up on local food to feed you and your family each week, consider voting! Use every email address you got and tell your friends to vote for us also! Be sure to vote for the Peoria Riverfront Market, specifically!
This competition is coming down to the wire! It's neck and neck! If you love the Peoria Riverfront Market show us by voting for the market in the American Farmland Trust Farmers Market Celebration Poll! Vote here: https://markets.farmland.org/markets
We were in 8th place last Saturday then with a hard push we got back into 6th!
Whether you vote or not, PLEASE come on our for the last market this Saturday! Let's make it the best market of the year so all the wonderful vendors come back next year!
