NewBo Market back after flood forces closure

When flood waters rose last month, few places had more help getting ready than the New Bohemia area, in Cedar Rapids. NewBo City Market, in particular.

The spot closed up on the 23rd of September and stayed that way for 20 days, that is until Thursday, when it reopened.

Though the market didn't see any water, it was in the flood-evacuation zone. Gas had to be disconnected. Expensive equipment was moved and stored.

It took some time, but the market is almost completely back to normal. Twenty-two of the 24 individual food and retail shops are up and running again. Vendors told us missing out on about three weeks of revenue wasn't easy.

To help, the market waived rent for the month of October. The facility's operations director, Taylor Bergen, is hoping customers will step up, next.

“It's seemed pretty busy,” said Bergen, Thursday. “I've been tying up the last few things, but it seems great. It seems vibrant. It's just great to be back.”

To continue making up for the income loss, NewBo Market has helped organize an event, Friday night, called Flood the District. There will be food, music, and lots of stuff to do, see and buy.

Flood the District kicks off in front of the market at 5:00 p.m. and goes to around 9:00 p.m. Organizers are hoping for a big turnout.