The first Downtown Farmers Market of the 2014 season in Cedar Rapids generated excitement for market-goers of all ages. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
CEDAR RAPIDS – Estimates that as many as 15,000 people crowd the core of Cedar Rapids during the Downtown Farmers Market seemed on-target June 7, as customers ambled elbow-to-elbow at the first market of the 2014 season.
Even the new, free trolley service, meant to transport the crowds between downtown and the NewBo City Market, was caught in some of the congestion, causing delays in the round-trip.
Those crowds translate to great sales, especially for the produce vendors who sold radishes, asparagus, strawberries, lettuce and other greens. Find remaining dates for the downtown markets and more than 50 other Eastern Iowa farmers markets on the Homegrown list and see some of the sights from opening day…
The Downtown Farmers Market shifted slightly this year, moving to Second and Third avenues SE, due to construction on Fourth Avenue in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Customers look at bracelets and other items sold by Weeping Water Jewelry during the first Downtown Farmers Market of the season on Saturday, June 7, 2014. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Chance, a goldendoodle, was among a number of dogs doing the Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Junk Funk performs on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at the first Downtown Farmers Market of the season in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Thunbergia alata, commonly called Black-eyed Susan vine, is sold at Prochaska’s Greenhouse during the first Downtown Farmers Market of the 2014 season. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Paul Tabor, of Tabor Home Vineyards and Winery, pours samples for customers during the Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Fresh greens are sold by Grinnell Heritage Farm during the kick-off of the Downtown Farmers Market on Saturday, June 7, 2014. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Lines form for the new trolley service that offered market-goers free transportation between downtown and the NewBo City Market on June 7, 2014, in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
High-fives went to the costumed duck that enthralled children during the first Downtown Farmers Market of the season on June 7, 2014, in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
I think it great, that there was trolley service. People will have to realize, that they have to patience.