Tagging along with mom as she shops for freshly dug potatoes and just-picked berries isn’t the average kid’s idea of fun, and the organizers of the Burr Ridge Farmer’s Market know it.
To make the weekly market something every member of the family will enjoy, the market has scheduled a full summer’s worth of free entertainment to keep the littlest shoppers happy.
Burr Ridge Park District Recreation Superintendent Lavonne Campbell said the first Farmer’s Market show of the season, featuring the juggling act Circus Boy, was a success.
“There were a lot of kids there,” Campbell said of the June 14 gathering on the Village Green.
The entertainment will continue from noon to 1 p.m. each week through Sept. 13, with animal shows, clowns, magicians and more.
“We have a great response,” said Susan Kleinwachter, also known as Pancakes the Clown.
Kleinwachter has performed at the Farmer’s Market for the last two summers and will return to the Village Green on July 12.
“I love it there,” said Kleinwachter, whose audience often enjoys a picnic lunch while watching her pull a rabbit out of a hat, among other things.
“I have what they call a variety comedy magic show,” she said.
After her show, Pancakes usually takes time to shop the market herself.
As the older kids head back to school, little ones can enjoy books and stories by the Barbara’s Book Store staff on Aug. 23 and 30 and on Sept. 6. A storyteller will gather children on the green to share a few favorite books each week.
As the calendar turns toward autumn, the entertainment at the Farmer’s Market takes on a similarly fall-like feel. Steve Dahlke takes pumpkin carving beyond the typical jack-o-lantern.
“He’s an amazing pumpkin carver,” Campbell said.
Some of his work can be seen at stevespumpkinart.com.
With live entertainment, tasty food and cool water fountains, the weekly Farmer’s Market, on the Village Green each Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is a great place to entertain kids of every age, Campbell said.
The summer entertainment is sponsored by Community Bank of Willowbrook, Willowbrook Medical Center and the village of Burr Ridge.