State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka recently recognized Aurora’s Farmers Market for its contribution to Illinois agri-tourism.
As part of the Office of the Comptroller’s “Agri-Tourism Day” at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Topinka presented Agriculture leaders from throughout the state with proclamations celebrating their achievements and continuing dedication. Topinka specifically congratulated Dale Hazewood, Dee Basile and Mary Knightwright from Aurora’s Farmers Market.
Since 1912, Aurora’s Farmers Market has made local produce and farm products available to the citizens of Aurora and surrounding communities.
“It is incredible to have Aurora’s Farmers Market continue to support agriculture year after year,” Topinka said. “Aurora’s Farmers Market educates the public and promotes tourism for our state, and I thank the many people who work so hard to make it happen.”
Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois in terms of economic impact, contributing more than $8.85 billion to the state’s economy annually. The state’s 72,500 farms utilize 75 percent of Illinois land, including some of the most fertile soil in the world. Agri-tourists promote agriculture and tourism through a wide range of activities, including picking farm products, riding horses, learning about wine and cheese-making, and shopping for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts.
For more information on the Aurora’s Farmers Market visit www.aurora-il.org.
