Market After Dark attracts more than 29,000

CEDAR RAPIDS - Market After Dark returned for its third year on Saturday and attracted more than 29,000 attendees, according to a news release from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, which hosted the event.

The event, from 6:30 to 11 p.m., drew nearly 100 Iowa vendors and featured a variety of entertainment.

'We continue to build on the success of Market After Dark each year and we're pleased with the turnout and the positive feedback we've received,” said Doug Neumann, executive director of the Metro Economic Alliance. 'It's amazing to have one night that adds such vibrancy to our city and packs a positive economic punch.”

The event, presented by The Gazette, was staged in the downtown area. Beverage tents offered local brews and wines and a partnership with downtown bars and restaurants allowed open container within the event venue.

Other sponsors were Nordstrom and 7G and event support was provided by Van Meter Inc., Hawkeye Area Down Syndrome Association, Downtown Commission, NewBoCo, Iowa Realty, German Shepard Dog Rescue of Iowa, Raining Rose, Families Helping Families and Eastern Iowa Health Center.

Other media partners were iHeart Media, Hoopla, Z102.9. and KNHB.