Market After Dark, in downtown Cedar Rapids, featured a performance by Radiance Fire on Aug. 27, 2016. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
By Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan
UPDATED Aug. 31, 2016, with new Market After Dark attendance estimates
Crowds filled the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids on Aug. 27, for the second annual Market After Dark, while gardeners flocked to the Brucemore Garden & Art Show earlier in the day.
Market After Dark, the nighttime version of the Downtown Farmers Market, had less congestion than its inaugural year, thanks to a larger footprint, while both events escaped rain that had been forecast throughout the day.
Melissa McCarville, communications manager for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, which hosts the markets, said initial estimated attendance was 34,000, the same number the event drew in its first year. A final count released Tuesday showed that estimate was less, at 27,000.
Still, with 19 blocks, compared to nine last year, “it definitely did not feel as crowded,” McCarville said, “which is a great thing.”
“We heard from attendees that they loved the new layout,” she added in an email. “People were able to get through lines quickly and several attendees enjoyed downtime, yard games and the ambiance of Greene Square.”
Many downtown businesses also were open to the thousands of visitors.
More than 45 artists and garden vendors shared their expertise and sold artwork, jewelry, and more at Brucemore, with more than 90 vendors at Market After Dark.
See images from both events, below.
Funk Stop performs on the main stage during Market After Dark in downtown Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Dancers enjoy the music of Funk Stop during Market After Dark on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A crowd gathers in Greene Square Park and beyond during Market After Dark on Aug. 27, 2016. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
More than 90 vendors sold baked goods, jewelry and other items at Market After Dark, with a few vegetable vendors, as well. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Kona Ice was a popular stop for the younger crowd at Market After Dark. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Popped corn from Corn Fusion is reflected in the lights during Market After Dark in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Hailey Whitters performs on the main stage during Market After Dark. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A line forms for Culata International Cuisine during Market After Dark. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Food is grilled at the Culata International Cuisine stand Aug. 27, 2016, at Market After Dark. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Jewelry was among the items sold during Market After Dark in downtown Cedar Rapids, Iowa. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Fans dance to music by Funk Stop during Market After Dark on Aug. 27, 2016. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A performer spins a hula hoop lit by fire during Market After Dark in downtown Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A crowd makes its way through downtown Cedar Rapids during the second Market After Dark. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
The formal gardens at Brucemore are seen during the Brucemore Garden & Art Show on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Children make their own creations at the Ceramics Center booth during the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Linn County Master Gardener, Becki Lynch, discusses pollinators during a presentation at Brucemore. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A monarch butterfly alights on a verbena bonariensis flower in the formal gardens during the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Genie Maybanks discusses local producers for New Pioneer Food Co-op during the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Visitors look at plants in the cold frames at Brucemore on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
In the Country Garden & Gifts sold perennials, succulents and more at the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A Trees Forever sign noted the value of one of the mature trees on the Brucemore estate. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Hibiscus and turtlehead were among the plants sold by K & K Gardens during the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Nancy’s Concrete Garden Art was among the vendors Aug. 27, 2016, at the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Linn County Master Gardener, Peggy Green, leads a seed-saving walk at Brucemore. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Rubideau Antiques sold a variety of garden art during the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
A Chinese Chestnut is among the trees growing on the Brucemore estate in Cedar Rapids. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Head gardener, David Morton, leads a tour of the Brucemore grounds on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
Sweet potato vine grows outside the Brucemore greenhouse, one of the sites open during the Brucemore Garden & Art Show. (photo/Cindy Hadish)
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