Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market opens for the season

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Thousands of people packed downtown Cedar Rapids Saturday morning for the first farmers market of the season.

The market drew a mix of longtime attendees and first-time visitors.

Hailey Trejo, a vendor with HD Creations, was among those experiencing the market for the first time as a seller. Trejo moved to the area after years of living across the country and said Eastern Iowa is the first place she and her family have put down real roots.

“Seeing people enjoy your work is super special,” Trejo said.

New vendors join market lineup

Trejo sells t-shirts, bookmarks and photographs through her business.

“Each piece is unique. Even the cards, every one is hand stamped,” Trejo said.

She is one of roughly 200 vendors at the market. On a typical market Saturday, about 12,000 people fill downtown Cedar Rapids.

First-time visitor impressed by turnout

Carter Wilkins attended the market for the first time Saturday. He said he had heard about the market for years and wanted to see it for himself.

“I think it’s been wonderful,” Wilkins said.

Wilkins said it’s the most impressive farmers market he has visited.

“I would definitely recommend this place to anyone,” Wilkins said.

The Downtown Farmers Market runs throughout the summer months. Organizers said the mix of new vendors, new faces and loyal regulars keeps the crowd coming back every week.