(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago is celebrating the return of farmers markets.
Gone are the different layouts in booths around Daley Plaza that the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events instituted last year to limit COVID exposure, said first deputy commissioner Jennifer Johnson Washington.
"We're looking forward to the return of more normalcy and I think the kick-off of this farmers program shows you that we're headed to a summer back pre-pandemic levels."
To celebrate the start of the season, that includes 40 markets across various neighborhoods, the city had a live DJ perform in Daley Plaza as shoppers browsed three dozen vendors selling everything from tulips and asparagus to cookies and smoothies.
"We were walking by and we saw how lovely it was today. All the people are here," said one visitor. "We thought we'd drop in."
