Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market Celebrates 20 Years

Courtesy of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market celebrated 20 years in 2025 as one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest. The occasion was marked with live music, culinary events, and, of course, an impressive array of homegrown and handmade goods. 

With an average attendance of 12,000 people per week, its success rests on a community that continues to show up for their favorite Saturday morning experience year after year. It’s also a testament to what Cedar Rapids values as the hallmark of a strong city and elevated quality of life. 

“The market has grown dramatically,” says Jule Day, a spokesperson for the market. “It began with about 50 vendors on one block. We now host 200-plus vendors each day, and the feeling is more ‘street festival’ than traditional farmers market.” 

Put on by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, the event illustrates what can be achieved when city officials, entrepreneurs and citizens all join together with a collaborative mindset that benefits everyone. 

“We simply adapt the venue to meet the needs of the community, and the people continue to support this important economic driver,” Day says. “There are many success stories of businesses that tested a concept, went on to create very successful businesses and can trace their roots back to the Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market.” 

Courtesy of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

The Heart Behind the Herd 

Chris Thuerauf of Antler Ridge Elk Ranch is one such vendor who has been there from the beginning. His booth has been a fixture for 20 years, not just at the downtown market but all of the locations. His business sells an assortment of elk meat as well as leather, dog chews and decor. To keep up with an ever-changing market, the farm bought their first elk in 2001 after considering raising emu, ostrich and white tail. 

“We went to the association meetings for each one, and the Elks Association was by far the most welcoming and helpful for starting our own herd,” Thuerauf says. 

Thuerauf enjoys educating the public about the animals he raises and the high-quality meat he harvests. 

Courtesy of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

“Elk meat is one of the healthiest meats – a premier venison,” Thuerauf says. “We pride ourselves in taking great care of our animals and teaching our children and customers our love for farm life and the love of raising these majestic elk.” 

The farmers market space and the opportunities it has lent the business have been priceless. 

“We have made so many connections through the years,” Thuerauf says. “Our regulars stop out at the farm for meat order pickups, and have watched our children grow. We have had many of our regulars even help promote our business right at our booth when they see someone asking questions.”

South Troy Farms

A Blooming Success 

Another familiar face in the crowd is Allison Sorensen of South Troy Farms. Her flower business, which she runs with her husband, began in 2020 and evolved from a 30×30-foot garden enclosure to a greenhouse, then to an 8-acre property. They sell fresh-cut flowers and arrangements – everything from zinnias and tulips to snapdragons and sunflowers. 

This is the farm’s third full season at the market, as well as Courtesy of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, a free event held on a select Saturday night in late summer, and the couple loves being part of both. 

“Like most vendors, we don’t have a ‘brick & mortar’ storefront so the exposure at the Cedar Rapids market is huge for us,” Sorensen says. “I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunities to meet customers and have conversations about what services we offer and what products we have growing.” 

Courtesy of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

Having experienced the market from both sides of the table, Sorensen wants to shine a light on what shopping locally truly means and why it matters. 

“Before I had my business or became a vendor, I loved to attend farmers markets. Now, as a vendor, I am just amazed by how hard the vendors work leading up to the market – the cost, time and effort it takes to show up. People are proud.”