Hinsdale Farmers Market marks 50 years with founder visit

Sue Nibeck isn’t one for complaining. She’s more about attempting to make things better. And it’s that attitude that led her to start the Hinsdale Farmers Market in 1976. That same Farmers Market began its 50th year Monday and continues from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Monday through October 12 on Chicago Avenue, between Garfield and Washington Streets. “When we moved here in 1973 from the New York City area, I was so disappointed with the quality of produce at the local National grocery store in Grant Square,” Nibeck, 87, said. That disappointment prompted Nibeck and a friend to purchase cases of food elsewhere that would be divided up and sold to friends, who trusted them to have a good mixture of fruits and vegetables, she said. “We were shopping the street along with famous chefs and small grocers, and made some wonderful friends,” Nibeck said. She said she was always interested in farmers markets in the Chicago area and decided it was time to start one in Hinsdale. “I started Mondays at 5 a.m., with setting up the market spaces and welcoming my farmers, sometimes with homemade coffee cakes,” Nibeck said. “I was so delighted that we could supply wonderful fresh vegetables and fruits to everyone. I thought we would develop a summer event that would bring the community together. “I wanted it to be a country feeling event – made patchwork signs, had goodies to test, had umbrellas for shade, encouraged the sellers to talk about how to cook new items. We had lessons on canning, short concerts from the middle school band and experts to consult.” Nibeck managed the Hinsdale Farmers Market for the first half of its 50 years, and Dakota Kolvitz, marketing director for the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, gave her major kudos for that. “The fact that her vision has grown into a community tradition that is celebrating its 50th anniversary is incredibly inspiring,” Kolvitz said. “Creating something that continues to bring together local vendors, residents and visitors five decades later is a remarkable legacy.” Kolvitz said the spirit of the farmers market Nibeck started is still very much alive after 50 years. “Fifty years later, it continues to be a place where people come together to support local vendors, connect with their neighbors, and enjoy a sense of community,” she said. “The market has evolved over the years, but its mission remains the same. We are proud to build on the foundation she established.” Kolvitz said she believes the Chamber-sponsored Hinsdale Farmers Market has thrived for 50 years because it has always been more than just a place to shop. “It’s a community tradition,” she said. “For generations, it has connected residents with local farmers and small businesses, while creating a welcoming gathering place in the heart of the community. “Its longevity is a testament to the continued support of our vendors, loyal customers, sponsors, and community partners who have invested in its success over the years. As shopping habits and community needs have evolved, the market has continued to adapt, while staying true to its mission of supporting local businesses and fostering meaningful connections.” Nibeck, who paid a visit Monday to the farmers market, moved in 2010 from Hinsdale to Darien, leaving a house they had lived in near Monroe School for 37 years. When they first came to Hinsdale, her son, Chris was in 8th grade, and her daughter, Kim was in third grade, right across the street at Monroe. “I immediately joined the Library Moms, read for younger kids and helped out,” Nibeck said. “I couldn’t believe that a town of such distinction did not have a good recreation program, so I spoke up at a Village Board meeting, and was told it was money.” She was asked to help raise money to provide more such services, and it didn’t take long for that to happen. Nibeck teamed up with the Chamber of Commerce to start a community Welcome Program that raised funds for recreation. But involvement in the Library Moms at Monroe School and starting a Welcome Program were only the beginning for Nibeck. She also was active locally in Girl Scouts, even starting Camp Lilac in her backyard, which many troops used as a site for the first camp-out for fourth graders. In addition, Nibeck and her family became active in Union Church of Hinsdale, and she remains active helping to coordinate an online women’s discussion group each Wednesday morning. Along with a 30-year career in real estate, Nibeck’s other volunteer involvement includes time with the American Association of University Women and the League of Women Voters. And there’s more. “When our dear plumber lost his wife to cancer and struggled through grief, Jim (Nibeck’s husband) and I put together other widowers and had a group for dinner once a month,” she said. “Then AARP widows got wind of it, and I ended up doing a newsletter and activities for them.” Nibeck’s philosophy about helping others is right to the point. “Where we saw a need, we tried to meet the challenges,” she said. Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.