New Northwest Indoor Craft and Farmers’ Market opens

CEDAR RAPIDS — From candy and makeup to containers and clothing, the new Northwest Indoor Craft and Farmers' Market had plenty to offer its customers on Saturday at the Northwest Recreation Center in Cedar Rapids.

Hosted by the Cedar Rapids Parks & Recreation Department and Macaroni Kid, the market is scheduled to return from 8 to 11 a.m. on July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 30 at the rec center, 1340 11th St. NW.

'We live on the northwest side and I like the idea of (the farmers market) being small, easy parking and friendly to walk around but not overwhelming like the Downtown Farmers' Market,' Shopper Kim Prevo said.

The Northwest Market, which saw 15 vendors on Saturday, is significantly smaller than the Downtown Farmers' Market, which typically has more than 200.

Among the vendors on opening day of the northwest market was mother-daughter duo Kimberly Smith and Kendra Bartholomew selling their Perfectly Posh products. Perfectly Posh offers products like soaps and lotions.

'It's our first time so we are testing it out but it's a really nice spot,' Bartholomew said.

For her mother, the spot at the market means even more.

'For me, it means the opportunity to have a job,' Smith said. 'I got hurt on the job back in 2013 and have been told ... that I am un-hireable, so I thought, 'Why not go to business for myself?' It opens up a whole new market where I can actually reach out to people that I would not be able to otherwise reach out to.'

Both enjoy the smaller atmosphere of the new market,

'I think the large (Downtown Farmers' Market) is awesome but I think this one opens up a new area,' said Smith. 'It's obviously located in a different part of town. It gives us the ability to give each customer more one-on-one personal attention, which is important because with our products everybody has a different skin combination, everybody needs a different product.'

Vendor Elizabeth Rueschhoff of Lori Ann's Candies also liked the smaller size market.

'We prefer to do a lot of the smaller ones,' Rueschhoff said. 'It's easier to navigate and there is a lot of space. It's also enclosed which is nice, so even if it's raining or super hot outside, it makes it comfortable for shopping.'

Rueschhoff was selling handmade chocolate confections like truffles, turtles, candy bars and even dipped gummies.

One thing the new market was missing Saturday was vendors selling fresh produce.

'There is lots of variety here from health to clothes. There is a lot to offer,' Prevo said. 'I would love to see more local farmers here. I would buy produce directly from here.'

Brian Froelich, from the city's Parks & Recreation Department, said organizers hope to further diversify the new market.

'We're having a great turnout. We have some good vendors and next time we're hoping to get some produce vendors,' Froelich said. 'Today has been a good start for us.'

Prevo was happy with her first experience at the new market.

'This is a great opportunity and I hope it continues to grow and have more vendors here,' she said.

[naviga:h3 style="padding-left: 30px;"]IF YOU GO

What: Northwest Indoor Craft and Farmers' Market

When: 8 to 11 a.m. Saturdays July 29, Aug. 26 and Sept. 30

Where: Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW

Admission: $1

Vendors: Interested in being a vendor? Send email to Charlottel@macaronikid.com

l Comments: (319) 368-8538; elianna.novitch@thegazette.com