Farmers Market to open June 8 | News

Last summer’s downtown farmers market was met with such support, that the City of Coon Rapids and Main Street Coon Rapids (MSCR) are co-sponsoring the outdoor market again this summer. The 17-week open-air Coon Rapids Farmers Market will be open Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon from June 8 through Sept. 28. Vendors will be located on Main Street near Fourth Avenue.

“We averaged 100 customers at every farmers market last summer, with a high of 180 at one market in July,” said MSCR Director Katie Mason. “Our vendors were happy with the turnout, but our goal this year was to recruit more vendors to participate.”

Nine vendors will be selling produce, eggs, smoked and fresh meats, flowers, plants, hand poured candles, wax melts, crafts, T-shirts, cook book, baked goods and more. The vendor lineup includes Circle BD Farms LLC, Dahls Locker, Hidden Acres, Jack & Lizard Candle Co, Thomas Rest Haven and Park View Assisted Living, CR-B Greenhouse, Fig Avenue Flowers, Marissa’s Farmers Market Stand and Ribbons & Roses.

Market organizers are still accepting more vendors. To sign up, call the MSCR office at 712-999-4769.

In addition to vendor sales, event organizers plan to host a demonstration, educational presentation or children’s activity each Saturday. Each month’s schedule will be posted in the newspaper and available at www.coonrapidsiowa.com/farmersmarket. The June list of demonstrations include:

— Invasive species education and activity by Whiterock Conservancy.

— Candle-making by Pam Eischeid.

— Free child bike helmets and safety lesson from Coon Rapids Police chief.

— Point source and non-point source pollution education and activity by Whiterock Conservancy.

If you’d like to sign up to present a demonstration or activity, call the MSCR office at 712-999-4769.