Barrington Farmers Market Opens for Season

Cliff Mulnix can be called the Pied Piper of M. Belle’s Pie Shop & Café. 

Mulnix and his car have become a familiar sight to customers of the Barrington Farmers Market.

People offer to help him unload the homemade pies then follow him and offer to help him set up, all the while laying claim to their pies.

“We call it the Pie Frenzy,” Mulnix said.

The Pie Frenzy will start once again Thursday, June 20 as the Barrington Farmers Market opens for the season.

M. Belle’s Pie Shop & Café is one of more than 20 vendors who will be selling their goods at the farmers market. Vendors will offer fresh produce, specialty cheese, French pastries, gluten-free snacks, Alpaca yarns and products.

Started in 2000, the market is run by volunteers with assistance from the Village of Barrington, according to the market’s website. It is located at 105 S. Cook St. Hours are 2 to 7 p.m. The market runs through Oct. 17.

New this year is an interactive farmers market experience called Budding Farmers, designed by Monica Irwin, according to the website. It is a 10-week program that offers activities and lessons each week. There is a fee to participate.