ROCKFORD, Illinois (WIFR) – Since 2010, thousands of people from Rockford and the surrounding area have flocked to the heart of the city to take part in this outdoor summer tradition to kick off the final month of Friday festivities.
The city market takes place on Fridays from mid-May to the end of September. Despite a cancellation and an early closure, organizers say it is an unforgettable summer.
“It’s like a little waterfront, the weather is usually nice, we’re right on the river and the food is good,” says participant Randy Wescott.
According to managing director Becca Bartels, about 6,000 more people visited the city market at this time last year.
“As an organization, we put our heart and soul into this event. We work all year to put it together every summer. It’s always great to see the community celebrating with us.”
The second week of the market was cancelled due to bad weather. For the same reason, the market ended early on August 16. Nevertheless, at least five thousand people visit the market every week.
More than 60 companies and organizations, including new and returning ones, are among this year’s summer vendors. Rockford Mochi is participating for the first time and is already in its fifth week at the market.
“It’s always nice to see Rockfordians supporting local businesses. Just from talking to business owners, I know how difficult it is to own a small business, so it’s great to see this,” says Olubisi Ajetunmobi, owner of Rockford Mochi.
At the beginning of the evening there were only a few people there, but as the evening progressed the number increased.
“It’s such a joy to come here every Friday night. Honestly, it’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever accomplished,” says Tyler Smith, founding member of City Market.
Smith says that for many, it is normal for there to be fewer people in the evenings at the beginning of the school year and for there to be fewer vendors towards the end of the season.
“Our first project was the city market. We started with $20,000 and that’s what we did.”
The City Market takes place every Friday evening from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. until September 27. On the last evening there is a children’s market with 18 traders aged 9 to 15.
After Labor Day, the market runs from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and admission is free.
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