In my opinion, there is no better place to be on a Wednesday evening or a Saturday morning than the farmer's market in the Chauncey Swan Ramp. Back in my hometown of La Crosse, Wisconsin I attended the farmer's market all summer long for fresh greens, flowers, and jewelry. When I first strolled through the Iowa City farmer's market I was blown away by the assortment of vendors and all of the products they had to offer compared to the market in my hometown.
Talking with a few vendors gave the consensus that most vendors spend every other weekend in Iowa City and the rest in Cedar Rapids. Bob from the Antler Ridge Elk Ranch vendor told me that there were 17,000 attendees at the Cedar Rapids farmer's market last Saturday, which completely blew my mind. But later when I found out that farmer's markets contribute $71 million to Iowa's economy in 2009 I realized it was a possibility. Vendor Cyndi Champlin has been been alternating between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids for over twenty-three years, selling handmade hummingbird feeders from recycled materials. It is impressive how far along the markets have come in Iowa, Cyndi agreeds.
I will definitely be returning next Wednesday night with a bigger spending amount since there was so much more there than I initially expected. The new wine vendors will help spice up the evening with the taste testers.