Maxwell Street Market reopens for 113th summer season

CHICAGO (WGN) — The historic Maxwell Street Market is back for the summer season in Chicago, with plenty of offerings for those who stop on Halsted for the market’s 113th year in existence.

“I don’t know if there are a whole lot of events that have over 100 years,” said Nikki Butler, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Director for the City of Chicago. “But it is certainly an honor and a pleasure to be able to bring it back for year 113.”

One of the shoppers who came out on Maxwell Street Market’s opening weekend was James Washington, who has come to know the market as a place that’s much more than just somewhere to shop.

“I’ve been coming here since I was like seven, eight,” said Washington, whose first experiences at the Maxwell Street Market were tagging along with his grandfather years ago. “He used to bring us down here. We used to get up at 4 a.m. in the morning, drive here and he’d sell his merchandise.”

Bruce Palombo, one of the vendors at the market, shares a similar history to Washington’s Maxwell Street Market story.

“I started here in 1966, which is a while ago. It was with a neighbor,” Palombo said. “I just went for a couple weeks and that’s how I ended up here, and I have been here ever since.”

From sunglasses to kitchenware, makeup, jewelry and tools, Palombo has a smorgasbord of items he finds from all over.

“A lot of stuff I get at garage sales, stores going out of business,” Palombo said.

Right next to his vendor stall, shoppers could find albums from decades past and throughout the market, which extends to Union Avenue, there are plenty of unique and eclectic treasures to discover.

Judy Estrada, a vendor with Serendipity, marked the beginning of her second year at Maxwell Street Market Sunday.

“A lot of my accessories, these are inspired by Mexico,” Estrada said. “I do a lot of different things depending on the season. Summer is coming. I have a lot of dresses so, I do sell clothing for women and accessories for men, women and children.”

Coming from someone who knows the ins and outs, Washington says to check out Maxwell Street Market for those who have yet to experience it for themselves.

“I mean, just give it a try,” Washington said. “You never know who you might see or what you might see or what you might like.”