Evanston residents and visitors came together on August 11 to explore the stalls, meet with friends and neighbors, and have fun at the Church & Dodge Market.
The markets, sponsored by the Church & Dodge Business Association, take place on the second Sunday of every month from June through October.
It was a tailor-made day for an outdoor game of chess on the giant black chessboard with larger-than-life pieces that Evanston set up for the event on the property at the southeast corner of Church Street and Dodge Avenue. Some of the adults playing said they learned from their elementary school-aged children.
“We wanted to come when we heard the chessboard was going to be here,” said Brenda Gerena, who was at the market with her 8-year-old son, Sebastian. “Most of what I know about the game I learned from him,” she said.
Fifth District City Council member Bobby Burns, his wife Christa Shavers and their nearly one-year-old daughter Angeli, bought handmade soaps and lotions at the Grandma Fannie booth, where saleswoman Rebecca Adams offered samples.
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Carter Olivier (left) and Skylar Henry discuss a chess move. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Local author Shaleka Smith, left, with friend Felicia Brown and daughter Molly Smith. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Evanston teens enjoy the simple pleasures of summer before school starts. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Molly Smith (standing) and Jordan McPherson enjoy a bean bag game. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
The chessboard also serves as a standing training mat for stretching exercises under the guidance of Jasmin Kyla Weaver. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Jasmin Kyla Weaver leads a mini lesson in “standing Kemetic yoga flow”. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Fifth District Councilman Bobby Burns and his daughter Angeli smell scented lotions from retailer Rebecca Adams. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Christa Shavers and daughter Angeli enjoy the open-air market. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Unique, handmade items are available on the market. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Fun and games are a big part of the market experience. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Sebastian Gerena (front) and Skylar Henry compete against each other in a friendly game of chess. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Brenda Gerena selects fresh produce with the help of volunteer Nate Campbell. Credit: Heidi Randhava -
Acupuncturist Amy Landolt (standing) performs acupuncture therapy on Rose Johnson. Credit: Heidi Randhava
Burns said new vendors are welcome.
“If you are a vendor, run a local business or have a product you want to sell to the community, come and showcase your talent,” Burns said, adding that vendors can email City of Evanston Economic Development Coordinator Katie Boden at [email protected].
Burns encouraged residents to visit the market – a small, cheerful place offering fresh produce, handmade goods, baked goods and more.
“We want community members to come,” he said. “You can play some games, meet your neighbors, bring the kids. It’s a family-friendly event. Come by, get some ice cream and support local businesses.”
The next Church & Dodge Market will be on Sunday, September 8th from 1pm to 5pm.
