Founders Market — Reshaping the South Main Corridor

Photo by Frank Schier

Staff Report

If you haven’t been to Founders Market this summer, you might want to check it out. This emerging market is on the verge of breaking new ground in building a vibrant, community-based enterprise.

Described as a neue concept, open-air community market, for food growers, artisans and cultural-creatives — Founders Market operates with old world themes in mind, and a mission to cultivate and support sustainable living practices.

The folks who help run Founders Market will gladly take you on a tour of three on-site organic vegetable gardens that are the product of “Eco-Advocates” — a working partnership with Angelic Organics Learning Center and YouthBuild Rockford.

The very impressive EcoAdvocates program goes full-circle in combining urban agriculture training with GED preparation and support services.

Eco-Advocate students are enthusiastic about their involvement in the hands-on planning, design and implementation of the gardens, as well as the daily care, harvest and marketing of their products.

This year’s harvest includes 5 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, greens of all kinds, peppers, string beans, carrots, just to name a few. The tomatoes are the best you’ll ever taste.

Another highlight of Founders Market is its location. On-site is SALVAGE TOO, Rockford’s Re-Use Center, where you can explore three expansive floors of reclaimed and recycled goods. For artisans and craftsmen, this is considered the place to find just about anything for a home construction or arts project. New items arrive daily. While you’re there, ask about the SALVAGE TOO FOSSA Re-Use Contest (Functional Objects, Structural and Sculptural Art). Part of a national competition started in San Francisco, the FOSSA Contest includes all building projects as well as stand-alone creations created predominantly from reclaimed materials — entries will be accepted through September.

Founders Market is open to the public from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of the month, through Sept. 15. It’s super easy to find, just south of downtown at 907 S. Main St., with plenty of on-site parking.

Founders Market is definitely something to experience. Don’t delay, there are only two market days left this season.

From the Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2012, issue