Iowa City explores year-round farmers market

IOWA CITY - The overwhelming popularity and success of the Iowa City's Farmers' Market has City officials exploring the idea of a year-round program – and as a sort of “test market” to gauge the level of interest that exists, three special off-season markets called “Grant Wood Market Place” have been scheduled in March and April. The three events will be held on Saturdays, on March 26, April 9, and April 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Grant Wood Elementary School gym at 1930 Lakeside Drive in Iowa City. If enough interest is shown by vendors and market-goers, the Grant Wood Market Place may be expanded to a year-round or winter market.

Vendors from Iowa City's spring and summer Farmers' Markets have been invited to participate in each of the Grant Wood Market Place events. Many have already registered, but there is still time for additional vendors, including local craftsmen, artists, bakers, and others, to sign up. Vendors do not have to be a regular participant of the Iowa City Farmers' Market to register for the Grant Wood Market Place.

All products offered for sale must be home-grown, homemade, and/or home-crafted. Some of the items that will be available include homemade pies and other baked goods, jams and jellies, fresh eggs, apple cider donuts, fresh Amish made glazed donuts, Acoustic Farms artisan cheese, granola, nuts and trail mixes, Rehberg's pork, soup mixes, chocolate truffles, plants, ZaZa's pastas, jewelry and accessories, artwork, herbal products and herb plants, stoneware pottery, homespun yarn, and knitted hats. The list of products is expected to grow as more vendors register.

For more information, or to register as a vendor, contact Neighborhood Services Coordinator Marcia Bollinger at 319.356.5237 or e-mail marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org. The special markets are being coordinated by the City of Iowa City Neighborhood Services Division and the Grant Wood Neighborhood Association.

- News release from the city of Iowa City