The Downtown Farmers Market is a family affair, with kid-friendly activities, as well as more than 200 vendors. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

The Downtown Farmers Market is a family affair, with kid-friendly activities, as well as more than 200 vendors. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Whether you love it or do your best to avoid it, downtown Cedar Rapids will be packed this Saturday, June 6, as the Downtown Farmers Market launches its 10th anniversary season.

The market runs from 7:30 a.m. to noon in a slightly different location this year, due to construction in Greene Square Park.

More than 200 vendors will fill downtown Cedar Rapids on Third Street SE, from First to Fifth avenues. While some markets avoid scheduling one on the same day, if you prefer a smaller market, find more than 50 on the Homegrown farmers market list.

After this weekend, both the new Village Farmers Market in Czech Village and the Uptown Marion Market begin, on June 13.

See more about the new Czech Village market here, and read more about the Downtown Farmers Market from the Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance, and Uptown Marion Market from the Marion Chamber of Commerce, below:

The 10th anniversary season of the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers’ Market, brought to you by the Economic Alliance, opens this Saturday.

More than 200 vendors will pack downtown Cedar Rapids on Third St. SE and surrounding avenues, from First to Fifth Ave. SE. Vendors will offer traditional market products, as well as unique artisan gifts, prepared and specialty food items, and baked goods.

The City of Cedar Rapids serves as Presenting Day Sponsor, and will be on-site to celebrate Resident Appreciation Day with city departments displaying vehicles, and plenty of giveaways in the Third St./Fourth Ave. parking lot. The Citizenship Awards ceremony will take place on the Main Stage at 10:40 a.m.

On Third Ave. SE, patrons will find the Drive to Feed the Kids exhibit, including a special display for “Ivy League Farmer” a new movie premiering this summer. This special programming is sponsored by Diamond V.

We appreciate the generous support of our 10th Anniversary Season Sponsor, Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, for helping to make the Downtown Farmers’ Market a success. Make plans to attend their Movies on the Riverbank events this summer!

Uptown Marion Market is set for the second Saturday of the month, from June – August (June 13, July 11 and August 8) from 8:00 a.m. – noon in Uptown Marion’s City Square Park.  This year’s market will feature over 50 vendors with fresh produce, plants, baked goods, honey, organic meat, Iowa wines, salsa, jellies and an array of artisan items.  In addition, food vendors will be onsite to offer a variety of take-and-eat items.

A variety of programming and live entertainment will be offered throughout the summer along with informational demonstration booths including the Master Gardener Plant Doctors, Linn County Trails Association, Marion Blue Zones Project, City of Marion and more.

Entertainment Schedule:

June 13

Billy Heller, acoustic guitar from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Papa Balloon, balloon artist from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

July 11

Pandelirium, steel drum band from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Papa Balloon, balloon artist 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

August 8

Matt Gogel, acoustic guitar from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Papa Balloon, balloon artist from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Uptown Marion Market is sponsored by the Marion Chamber Platinum Community Partners – Farmers State Bank, Fosters Heating and Air Conditioning, ImOn Communications, MercyCare Community Physicians-Marion and Mercy Medical Center, Philip’s Diamond Shop and TownSquare Media and is presented by the Marion Chamber of Commerce and Uptown Marion.

For more information on the Uptown Marion Market and other Marion Chamber events, visit www.marioncc.org or call 319-377-6316.  The mission of the Marion Chamber of Commerce is to provide leadership and advocacy to ensure a growing business environment and to enhance the quality of life in Marion.