Vendors and patrons talk at various boots during Sycamore’s farmer’s market earlier this month. (Photo by Jessi LaRue / for Chronicle Media)

DeKalb County residents have many opportunities to learn more about the food they put on their plates.

Farmers market season is in full swing throughout the county, and the cities of Genoa, Sycamore and DeKalb are offering up chances to dine at food trucks, hear live music, and chat up local farmers.

“We’re seeing more people concerned about their food, what goes into it and where it comes from,” said Jessica Antonacci, events manager for the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. “Farmers’ markets offer an accessibility factor; people are coming back and talking to vendors about the food and they become friends with the vendors.”

DeKalb’s farmers’ markets run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Thursday through September.

Rob Pondelick, of Theis Farm in Maple Park, says the family farm makes appearances at most of the area’s farmers markets. He said he has many repeat customers at the markets in DeKalb and Sycamore.

Guests order from the Rolling Harvest food truck during Sycamore’s farmer’s market last week. (Photo by Jessi LaRue / for Chronicle Media)

Customers get a very personal experience by choosing to do their shopping at a local market, Pondelick said.

“A lot of the people we see are just looking for local, fresh produce,” Pondelick said. “They want to know more about it, too. We grow everything that I sell, and I know everything about it.”

Sycamore’s markets are held from 3 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday through September off of Somonauk Street downtown.

Rose Treml, executive director of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce, said more people are coming through the market each week, and it’s not just for the fresh produce.

“While it is a great opportunity for us to bring whole foods, natural foods and local foods to the area, it’s also a gathering event,” Treml said. “Families come together, girlfriends get together, and people also enjoy the live music and art vendors.”

Krissy Johnson, associate director for the Genoa Chamber of Commerce, said for most people, the markets are truly about the experience, and that’s what keeps people coming back.

Genoa’s markets are held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on various Saturdays throughout the summer at the city parking lot on the corner of Route 72 and south Genoa Street. Visit GenoaAreaChamber.com or call 815-784-2212 for the list of dates.

“We make it really authentic,” Johnson said. “We strive for that small-town feel here in Genoa. You’ll find homemade, handmade and homegrown items here. It’s just an atmosphere of fun.”