Suppose there's a happy place to be discovered where folks are friendly and willing to engage with the customer. In that case, it's on Saturday mornings in front of the City Hall in Galena, Illinois, at the Farmers Market.

While I always enjoy a buzzing and quality Farmer's Market, many can be overwhelming with vendors and people. So I was pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon the Galena Farmer's Market and its cast of friendly folks selling quality products.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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It's a growing entity, but far from extensive, yet big enough to have much of what you want in a market. For example, there are the freshly roasted coffee beans from I Dig Coffee.

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Interview with Galena Farmer's Market Mgr. Susie Droessler

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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And fantastically fresh honey and syrups from Dan D Bees.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Hand-spun and woven wool masterpieces made by a mom and daughter team at The Tangled Web.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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As well as fanciful folk art creations at Happy Pickins.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Galena Farmer's Market Manager Susie Droessler shares that the market is gaining popularity with each passing season. It has grown from just a few vendors to well over 15 regulars selling their handcrafted wares, specialty foods, and fresh garden produce.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Droessler herself runs Susie Breads and sells fresh loaves of cinnamon bread and other tasty treats inspired by the recipes she inherited from her mother.

Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
Photo Credit: Keith B. / Townsquare
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Whether you're in Galena for the day, weekend, or lifetime, this market gem is well worth a visit. Each vendor I encountered was super friendly and willing to talk about their goods.

The Galena Summer Farmers Market takes place every Saturday, May to October, on the lawn of the Old Market House on Commerce Street in Historic Downtown Galena, Illinois.

You'll find delicious specialty foods and other locally-made items from Jo Daviess County and the surrounding area.

123 N Commerce St Galena, Illinois
Hours: Saturday; 7am - 12pm

Follow the Galena Farmer's Market Facebook page for up-to-date information.

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