Cedar Rapids Market After Dark was a great first draft

As the saying goes, the first step is always the hardest.

In the case of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market After Dark on Saturday night, it also may be the most contentious. But what area organization wouldn't burn its yearly supply of marketing materials to face such a glorious and enviable mess?

As part of the market's 10-year anniversary celebration, members of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance threw a little nighttime party - a first for the well-loved market. On Facebook, about 8,000 people said they'd come. Organizers were thinking they might see double that amount. But when the streets opened for business, more than 30,000 people showed up - double the already congested Saturday morning crowds.

And, unlike Saturday mornings where marketgoers have plenty of booths to choose from for their patronage, fewer than half the usual market vendors participated in the special evening event.

Larger than expected crowd? Check. Limited space? Check. Enclosed area with too few entrances and exits? Check, check.

Did we mention the street performances, dogs, strollers, long lines and adult beverages?

Some participants reported having the time of their lives. Others left, frustrated, without having been able to visit a single vendor.

No, the event was far from perfect. But, then again, what first draft ever is?

One thing that's certain about the anniversary celebration is that it revealed a strong demand for similar broad-based, nighttime community events in the downtown district.

Organizers, vendors and downtown business owners have plenty of time to make much-needed adjustments for future events. We think they should.

Some suggestions: Rebranding to more clearly distinguish the differences between the morning and evening events. Parents, especially, deserve fair warning about the more adult-oriented feel of the nighttime venture.

And, given the hour, noise, crowd and the enclosed space, pets should be required to spend the evening at home - or at least on the other side of the barricade.

Consider expanded collaboration, too; ask business owners to partner in the festivities.

With a few small tweaks, we think a regular nighttime market would be a great community event.

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