Officials adjusting for higher turnouts at Cedar Rapids downtown farmers market

The Cedar Rapids Downtown District invites the community to the Downtown Farmers' Market on Saturday, July 17 from 7:30 a.m. to noon. An estimated 15,000 patrons at the July 3 market set a new attendance record since its inception in 2006.  In response to rapid growth in market attendance, adjustments to the venue will be in place for the remainder of the 2010 season.

Cedar Rapids Downtown District Events Director Jill Wilkins reports the main stage, located along Fourth Avenue and Third Street, will be reduced in size and redirection of the line from Victor's Burritos to Third Street should alleviate Third Avenue crowding. Another adjustment will include vendors along FourthAvenue between Second and Third Street pulling vehicles originally parked behind their tables onto the driveway of the Fourth Avenue ramp to free up room in their booth space.

The market will loop around Third and Fourth avenues, Second and Third streets SE and Greene Square Park in downtown Cedar Rapids. Patrons are encouraged to park in the Third and Fourth Avenue ramps, with handicap accessible parking available in the lot behind the True North building.

Patrons can enjoy more than 200 vendors from the state of Iowa, making the market one of the largest of its kind in the Midwest. Vendors will be on site selling traditional produce, meats, flowers, baked goods and artisan gifts.

“Green Day” will be the theme for July 17, with representatives from the Corridor Conservation Coalition on site for demonstrations of solar powered cars, green roof demonstrations, CR-CLUC chickens, electronic recycling, junk jewelry making and more, all in Greene Square Park.

While patrons can enjoy the classic market elements, the Cedar Rapids Downtown District will continue to offer a variety of entertainment including a cooking demonstration (hosted by Gatherings and 7 G Distributing) and an assortment of non-profit organizations from the Corridor. Entertainment for the July 17 market includes the Olive Street Band, Jake Marzen, Junk Funk, Mark Brown and more.

The Cedar Rapids Downtown District Farmer's Markets will continue the first and third Saturday of each month through September.