The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market will return for its 20th season on Saturday, June 7, featuring more than 200 vendors and a full slate of entertainment and community programming, organizers announced.
Presented by Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, the market will run from 7:30 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of each month from June through September. The updated schedule is intended to provide vendors more time to prepare produce and products.
All events will take place in downtown Cedar Rapids on Second, Third and Fourth avenues SE between Second and Fifth streets SE.
“Twenty years ago, we set out to create a place where our community could come together around local food, art and culture,” said Jenn Draper, events contractor at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “We’re excited to return with the same market loop and the high-energy entertainment our visitors love.”
Entertainment will include live music, face painting, balloon animals, and performances by dancers, jugglers and martial arts groups. Market maps and a scavenger hunt list will be available at the information booth located at Third Avenue SE and Third Street SE.
The Cedar Rapids downtown farmers market continues to partner with local organizations to increase access to fresh food. Vendors that accept SNAP, WIC/Senior FMNP checks and other forms of payment are listed on the market’s website. The Home Run for Hunger program, in partnership with HACAP, First Federal Credit Union and the Cedar Rapids Kernels, will collect food donations from vendors near closing time for delivery to area pantries.
Cyclists are encouraged to use the free Bike Valet near Greene Square Park.
Motorists should note that parking is prohibited in the market area from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. on market days, with ticketing and towing enforced.
Special Day Sponsors throughout the season include the City of Cedar Rapids, General Mills, Built By Pros, Alliant Energy, LAP-AID and Quaker Oats/Pepsico. That schedule is as follows:
- June 7 – City of Cedar Rapids. In conjunction with that market, the city will offer several activities as part of their Residents Appreciation Day.
- June 21 – General Mills, who will have food-related activities that feature their mascots and brands.
- July 5 – Built By Pros – more information to come.
- July 19 – Alliant Energy, who will be on site talking about renewable energy.
- Aug. 16: Linn Area Partners Active in Disaster (LAP-AID) – more information to come.
- Sept. 20 – Quaker Oats/Pepsico, who will be handing out their popular $10 grab bags filled with $35 worth of Quaker Oats products.
The season will also feature the Market After Dark event on Aug. 23, with more details to follow.
The list of all market dates includes June 7, June 21, July 5, July 19, Aug. 2, Aug. 16, Sept. 6 and Sept. 20.
CRBT has been the market’s presenting sponsor for 13 consecutive seasons.
For more details, visit crdowntownmarket.com
