After a recent survey showed an overwhelming desire from the community for a local farmers market, organizers have announced they will host a 17-week open-air farmers market in downtown Coon Rapids this summer.

The Coon Rapids Farmers Market (CRFM) will be sponsored by Main Street Coon Rapids (MSCR) and the City of Coon Rapids. Market days will be Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon from June 10 – September 30. It will be located in the parking on the south side of Main Street between 4th and 5th Avenue of Coon Rapids.

CRFM Committee members are now accepting vendor applications (deadline May 1). They are accepting applications for both full-season vendors (will sell at 12 or more market days) or half season vendors (will sell at less than six market days).

“After consulting two local, and very experienced growers, we decided that all produce vendors need to commit to selling for the whole season to provide consistency for customers and to be fair to the full-time vendors,” said Tory Winnett who chairs the CRFM Committee. The committee consulted with Kenny Sporrer (Sporrer’s Produce of rural Templeton) and Mike and Deb Carter (Hidden Acres Ranch of rural Coon Rapids) who are regular produce vendors at several farmers markets in the area.

Survey participants also weighed in on the products that they would like to see at the CRFM. The top suggestions were vegetables (98%), fruit (88%), baked goods (78%), eggs (63%), honey (49%), flowers (44%) and crafts/locally made artisan goods (39%). Other frequently requested goods included locally sourced meat (specialty items, sticks, jerky, etc.), cheese, trail mix, apple cider and craft wine.

Anyone interested in being a vendor, can download the vendor application and handbook at www.coonrapidsiowa.com/farmersmarket or stop by the MSCR office to pick up a paper copy (406 Main Street, Coon Rapids).

The CRFM group is also scheduling live demonstrations and activities throughout the market season. They are looking for businesses, clubs or individuals who would like to host an educational, informal or children’s activity on one market day. Examples of demonstrations could be on how to make candles, grow a garden in planters, can produce, make flower arrangements and so on. Other activities could be a dance team performance, fire department truck rides, live music, kids’ crafts, etc.

Call the MSCR office at 712-999-4769 for questions or to offer your services.