116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Your guide to the 2017 Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market
CEDAR RAPIDS - The annual Downtown Farmers' Market, which typically draws about 14,000 visitors, returns to Cedar Rapids on Saturday.
Drawing vendors from as far as Fairfield and Decorah, the market is unique, said Jenn Draper, event planner with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, specifically because of its 'street-festival” style.
'It's unusual in that respect,” Draper said. 'A lot of markets are in parking lots.”
RELATED: Farmers Market season returns in Eastern Iowa
Downtown Farmers' Market officials are working to increase accessibility to visitors. To that end, To The Rescue, a home health care service, is organizing a shuttle to southwest Cedar Rapids for those with transportation barriers.
They're also partnering with the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program - or HACAP - Horizons and Well Labs to provide a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - or SNAP - booth so those with the program can scan their card to get tokens to spend at a variety of market vendors.
Additionally, Draper said the Downtown Farmers' Market is unique because of the quality of local goods the market supplies.
Below, we've compiled everything you need to know to help navigate the Downtown Farmers' Market:
Q: When is the first market?
A: 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday
Q: Where does it take place?
A: Downtown Cedar Rapids between Second and Fourth avenues SE and Second and Sixth streets SE.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Parking is available in any city parkade.
Q: Will any streets be blocked off?
A: Yes. Second, Third and Fifth streets SE are to be blocked off at Second and Fourth avenues SE. Also, Third Avenue SE is blocked off from First to Sixth streets SE.
Q: How many vendors plan to be at the market? What do they sell?
A: More than 200 vendors sell items including local produce, flowers, handmade crafts and artisan goodies.
Q: What is the weather forecast for Saturday?
A: The National Weather Service is forecasting mostly sunny skies followed by a 30 percent chance of thunderstorms on Saturday with a high of 85 degrees. The Downtown Farmers' Market is open rain or shine, but in the case of severe weather, the market will close and word will be put out through social media and local radio and television stations.
Q: Are any special events planned on Saturday?
A: Yes. The main stage near Paramount Theatre features a variety of acts. The city of Cedar Rapids is the day sponsor of the event and plans to have a variety of city vehicles on display. City officials also host a Citizens Award Ceremony at 10 a.m. Sponsored by the University of Iowa Community Credit Union, five award winners are to receive an engraved clock and have a $1,000 donation made to the charity of their choice. Face painting, balloon animals and street performers also will be on hand.
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Yes, but you might think about leaving them at home first. While the Downtown Farmers' Market allows pets, the environment will more than likely be crowded with costumers and products. All pets must be on a leash, under control and well behaved, kept away from food products and sociable. Pet owners must also clean up after their pet and be understanding of the fact that not everyone is an animal lover.
Q: Is smoking allowed?
A: No. Visitors are asked to refrain from smoking inside the barricades of the market at all times.
Q: Can I drink alcohol at the market?
A: No, not during the daytime markets on Saturdays.
Q: Should I bring my own bags?
A: Yes. For those interested, the Downtown Farmers' Market also has market carts available to the public for free at the information booth. Those who rent a cart are required to leave an ID to ensure the return of the carts.
Q: What are the other dates for this season's markets?
A: June 17; July 1 and 15; Aug. 5 and 19; Sept. 2 and 16.
Q: Where do I go for more information?
A: On Facebook, visit Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market; online at CRDowntownMarket.com or by calling (319) 398-5317. Also, Find a database of Eastern Iowa farmers markets at thegazette.com/data/farmers-markets.
l Comments: (319) 368-8531; alexandra.connor@thegazette.com
Vendors lined 5th Street SE during the Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This marked the opening day of the downtown farmers' market season, which runs through Sept. 17, as well as the return of the market to Greene Square following the park's recent renovation. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
Greens from Echollective Farm CSA in Mechanicsville are on display at the Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This marked the opening day of the downtown farmers' market season, which runs through Sept. 17, as well as the return of the market to Greene Square following the park's recent renovation. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
Alane and Gary Kramer of Scotch Grove browse for flowers at Prochaska's Greenhouse stand at the Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 4, 2016. The greenhouse is a Cedar Rapids wholesaler that offers plants for sale at the markets in downtown Cedar Rapids and in Hiawatha. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
A bell is used to signal the end of the Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This marked the opening day of the downtown farmers' market season, which runs through Sept. 17, as well as the return of the market to Greene Square following the park's recent renovation. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
Samantha Thomas and Don Thomas of Cedar Rapids walk their dog, Apollo, through the Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This marked the opening day of the downtown farmers' market season, which runs through Sept. 17, as well as the return of the market to Greene Square following the park's recent renovation. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
Bhumika Nayak of Cedar Rapids buys greens from Will Lorentzen of Echollective Farm CSA in Mechanicsville at the Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This marked the opening day of the downtown farmers' market season, which runs through Sept. 17, as well as the return of the market to Greene Square following the park's recent renovation. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
Amanda Parsons, 16, and Anna Ditch, 16, both of North Liberty shop for flowers at Pheasant Run Farm's stand at the Downtown Farmers' Market in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, June 4, 2016. This marked the opening day of the downtown farmers' market season, which runs through Sept. 17, as well as the return of the market to Greene Square following the park's recent renovation. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)
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