NewBo City Market, the anchor of Cedar Rapids’ growing New Bohemia district, has ramped up its programming and activity schedule, earning it its first nod as Best Cultural Attraction. “The community is figuring out there’s always something going on at NewBo, and they’re showing up,” Executive Director Scott Kruger said. Among the biggest hits are Thursday nights’ Meet Me at the Market events, which offer activities ranging from group yoga to runs, and Friday nights’ Rock the Block outdoor concerts. Attendance at the market rose almost 50,000 last year, topping 300,000, he said – an inexact number, considering some visitors never come inside to the vendor area, where small businesses offer everything from dumplings to gourmet wood-fired pizza. “Everything in the market is a stage, where you can watch somebody make pasta or pizza or bread,” Mr. Kruger said.
– Dave DeWitte
TIMES ON LIST:
First Time on Best of List
RUNNERS UP:
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Hancher Auditorium
