Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Brings the Community Together
Sponsored by: Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
Life is better in Cedar Rapids, IA. From winding bike trails and fun events to local food and lots more, this pocket of the Midwest is the place to be. The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance shares that message, supporting the community in various ways to keep it thriving.
The Economic Alliance is driven by five core functions: economic development, workforce, business support, community development and public policy. Several functions are geared more toward Cedar Rapids businesses, but community development affects everyone who lives here.
The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market is one example of a community development initiative that has become a beloved city staple. With more than 200 local vendors, local food, live entertainment and more, it’s one of the most popular open-air markets in the Midwest.
“This is our 18th year doing the farmers market, which is held every first and third Saturday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-September,” says Nikki Wilcox, director of strategic development for the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “We have more than 12,000 people come each weekend to buy the best of Iowa-produced goods.”
Jenn Draper, special events contractor at the Economic Alliance, adds that the market is a launching pad for small local businesses to test their products, keeping Cedar Rapids’ dollars local and supporting those vendors.
We’ve introduced our community to new, unique products, produce and restaurants. And we’ve watched vendors reach success, growing from small booths to full-service operations,” she says.
Building off that success, the Economic Alliance started Market After Dark, now in its eighth year. As the name suggests, Market After Dark is a nighttime farmers market, held in late August from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The nighttime market presents more of a party feel, with lots of musical acts and entertainment, and local beer and wine vendors.
“These events really bring people together and bolster local businesses,” Wilcox says. “Many of the people attending the markets don’t live in Cedar Rapids. The Market is what brings them to the area, and then they choose to experience all we have to offer.”
Learn more about the many community events and the Economic Alliance at cedarrapids.org.
