On this week’s episode of Out and About, Dr. Mae Gilliland of ArtsPartners of Central Illinois talks with Emily Huff, organizer of the new West Peoria Farmers Market, about bringing a long-awaited community gathering space to the city.

Held every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franciscan Recreation Complex, the market features local growers, artisans, cottage food producers, food trucks and community organizations. The idea grew out of resident feedback collected during West Peoria’s comprehensive planning process, where a farmers market consistently ranked among the community’s top priorities.

Huff says the goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere where people can connect while supporting local businesses. “It’s just neighbors talking to each other that maybe they haven’t seen in a little while,” she said. “It’s relaxed... It’s friends greeting each other. And it’s a lot of fun.”

Visitors can expect a rotating lineup of vendors offering everything from handmade art and jewelry to fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and specialty foods, along with food trucks serving cuisines ranging from smashburgers to Filipino fare. Set beneath the beautiful trees of the Franciscan grounds, the market also offers green space and a nearby playground, making it a fantastic destination for families.

The West Peoria Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. during the summer months at the Franciscan Recreation Complex.