In a crowded parking lot at the Evanstons Farmers Market at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue, people can choose from 20 different varieties of mushrooms and purchase fresh sunflowers the size of dinner plates.

But for devotees, who come each Saturday through summer and fall, it’s a time to trade recipes with friends old and new.

For nearly 30 years, the Evanston Farmers Market has been a marketplace for more than 30 local farmers and vendors of fruits, vegetables, meat, cheese, bakery items and flowers.

“It’s become a sort of town tradition,” said Jean Speyer-Scruggs, administrative secretary and Farmers Market coordinator for Evanston. “The citizens look forward to it each year. Over the years people have made friends and meet up to shop together here.”

Locals not only go for the fresh produce, but also to support the local farmers, said Carly Seaberg of Evanston.

“Farmers like me couldn’t do business if it weren’t for markets like these,” said David Cleverdon, farmer at Kinnikinnick Farm and a 10-year vendor at the market. “This is one of the best ones in the Chicago area because there are great customers and several weekend chefs who love to cook — that’s who we grow the produce for.”

According to Speyer-Scruggs, the customers and vendors have cultivated personal relationships from seeing each other week after week and year after year.

“I’ve been coming here all my life,” Seaberg said. “They have the freshest and largest variety of produce and better prices (than supermarkets). It’s nice to shop outside during these summer months and to see people you know.”

Veteran market-goers know that the apple cider is best during early fall.

They also know that to beat the 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. peak hours and get the first pick of the produce, customers should arrive promptly at 7 a.m.

As the market begins to close, some vendors will sell a full basket of produce for a flat rate.

On Oct. 30, the market will hold a special event where materials will be provided for families to decorate pumpkins, and there will be prizes for those who guess the correct weights of Mr. and Mrs. Pumpkin.

Evanston’s Farmers Market is open every Saturday until Nov. 6, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is held in the Hilton Garden Inn parking lot at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue. Visitors can park for free in the Maple Avenue parking garage.

For more information, call the City Manager’s Office, 847-866-2936.

Reach Natalie Kim at [email protected].

Evanston Farmers Market

When: Saturdays until Nov. 6

Where: Intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue