Should farmers market be renamed?

Regarding the Cedar Rapids downtown farmers market: Do you consider this farmers market a true farmers market or should it be renamed to something else, such as flea market or craft show?

I am guessing that 10 percent or less are actually farmers selling their produce. Most of the vendors are selling other items such as jewelry, clothes and crafts.

I am a farmer and grow mostly vegetables. I was able to sell at this market only once last year and sold out of everything I had that day. This year, I plan on doubling my vegetable acreage to 10 acres so I can attend the Cedar Rapids downtown market.

I also plan to continue to do the Hiawatha market, which is a great market because 70 percent of the participating vendors are farmers selling vegetables, berries and fruit on Sundays.

So far, I've tried to get a spot at the Cedar Rapids downtown farmers market for this year and was told I would be put on a waiting list.

I believe farmers or vegetable growers should have priority over other vendors who sell everything except vegetables and fruit. After all this is supposed to be a farmers market, isn't it?

If not, rename it.

Fred Johnson

Shellsburg