CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — After resorting to a drive-through market in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a shortened season last year, the 2022 Downtown Farmers Market kicked off May 28 with crowds of customers and picture-perfect weather.
Organizers estimated 15,000 people would attend the opening day of the market, featuring more than 150 vendors in downtown Cedar Rapids.
Related: Eastern Iowa farmers market ends long run
Live entertainment returned after scaling back last year, said Maddix Stovie, event planner for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, which sponsors the markets.
Lettuce, radishes and onions were among the spring veggies offered by a small number of vendors, while customers lined up for prepared foods; danced to the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band saxophone quartet and purchased T-shirts, handcrafted items and more from the Iowa-based small businesses selling their goods at the market.
The footprint of the market encompassed streets surrounding Greene Square and from Second to Fourth Avenue SE, zigzagging from Second to Third to Fifth Street SE at various intersections.
The markets continue twice-monthly this summer, with the popular Market After Dark on Aug. 27 and one market in September.
Find more than 50 Eastern Iowa farmers markets on the Homegrown list and see more photos from opening day of the 2022 Downtown Farmers Market, below:
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