Champaign farmer's market makes debut to local crowd

Hakim Muhammad, from Champaign, buys two types of kale and other produce from Marty Gray of Gray Farms Produce at the first North First Street Farmers' Market in Champaign. Marty Gray and his wife, Crystal, drove 90 minutes from Donovan, Ill to be a vender at the market.
Ned Mulka The Daily Illini

Despite oppressive heat and stifling humidity, the North First Street Farmers' Market in Champaign enjoyed a modest turnout Thursday on its opening day.

Media converged on the north end of the Champaign Police Department's parking lot as the event sponsors and organizers cut a ribbon to mark the opening.

Nearly 20 vendors marketed a wide variety of products ranging from fresh berries and beef to sheep skins, quilts and homemade dog biscuits. Customers wandered from booth to booth, admiring the array of products, sometimes stopping to make a deal.

One woman walked away from the Toohill Seed and Beef Service booth with a bag full of products and a smile on her face.

With sweat beading on his brow, owner Dan Toohill made a point to thank the woman for her patronage. Customer service and satisfaction are what the Toohills aim for whenever, and wherever, they do business. Their family-run farm is based out of Clinton, Ill., but they often travel to farmers' markets throughout central Illinois to sell their naturally-raised, hormone-free beef and pork.

James Toohill said this was the first time they have come to Champaign to sell their product, but added that they have more than 15 loyal customers from this area and they are looking to increase that number.

"Our business is built around getting a customer and retaining that customer," James said.

They let their products do the talking. Dan said hamburger is their biggest seller, but it is the ribeyes that they cannot keep in stock.

"Our quality is untouched," James said.

And the family hoped that quality would leave them with a lighter freezer to haul home.

Another team dedicated to providing quality products was youngsters Sophie Collard, 12, and Kendall Schultz, 11. The dynamic duo debuted their Lu-Lu & Zu-Zu homemade dog treats at the farmers' market for the first time in a professional atmosphere.

The two best friends were inspired to create their canine consumables last September, during periods of boredom while attending an Iron Man triathalon, in which both of their fathers competed.

The two first began selling the peanut butter-flavored treats, which are made of all-natural ingredients and licensed by the Department of Agriculture, to their friends and door-to-door.

But, like all good products, the treats first had to go through a trial period. Collard said there were times when the dog biscuits were overcooked or burnt, but added that none were wasted.

"That's what our dogs are for," said a smiling Collard.

While these girls were interested in pleasing the canine species, most of the other vendors were targeting the humans. And many of them seemed happy with the products and the prices.

Elaine Kuehl, a customer at the market, raved about the fresh produce. She said she would likely come back to the market each week not only because of the quality merchandise, but also because she prefers to support the local farmers.

"They deserve it," said Kuehl, "It's hard work."

The North First Street Farmers' Market will be open every Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. through August 27.