From press release

Rockford City Market organizers estimate attendance at last week’s market was around 1,000 people, and the market has grown to more than 30 vendors since its launch three weeks ago. Among the new vendors Friday, July 2, is another produce vendor.

Rockford City Market takes place from 3 to 7 p.m. every Friday through Oct. 22 along Water Street between State and Jefferson streets in downtown Rockford. The market includes local growers and vendors who sell natural products, including vegetables, fruit, eggs, meat, cheeses, flowers, herbs, baked goods, wine and healthy snacks, as well as artisans and vendors with unique offerings and live entertainment by a variety of performers.

Following is a look at what you can expect at this week’s market, Friday, July 2.

Weekly specials

Red, White & Blue Popcorn Balls—In honor of Independence Day, Northwoods Premium Confections will feature red, white and blue popcorn balls. Made from fresh popcorn, these tasty treats are tender with a little bit of chew and a lot of flavor! Choose from red (cherry), white (a light caramel flavor) and blue (blue raspberry). The popcorn balls are $1 each, or pick up a six-pack—two of each flavor—for $5. A great treat to take to the fireworks!

New vendors

Comprehensive Community Solutions/YouthBuild Rockford—Organic vegetables and herbs, Rockford on Board games, visit www.youthbuildrockford.org ^[1].

Hocus Focus—Boxes, journals, bowls, jewelry and other gift items from recycled maps.

Rock Snake Silverworks—Unique, sterling silver artisan jewelry, visit www.rocksnakesilverworks.com ^[2].

Applications for additional vendors are still pending, and applications will be accepted throughout the market season. Anyone wishing to become a vendor or performer must submit a completed application to the market manager and go through the approval process to ensure a variety of goods and performance types at the market. Vendors and performers located within a 150-mile radius of the Rockford Region are encouraged to apply. Applications can be found on the market website at www.rockfordcitymarket.com ^[3] or by contacting the market manager at (815) 964-4388 or info@rockfordcitymarket.com ^[4].

Entertainment & Activities

Music by Emily Hurd, 4-7 p.m.—Singer/songwriter Emily Hurd recently released her sixth record of original music, Daytime Fireflies. Originally from Rockford, Hurd toured the Midwest and both coasts performing her soulful, bluesy music. Her song “The Likes Of You” won the 2009 International Songwriting Competition and the 2008 Unisong International Songwriting Contest.

Demonstrations by the Natural Land Institute—Members of the Natural Land Institute will provide hands-on activities for kids and adults that teach about wetlands, watersheds and rivers. Visitors will learn how land use affects the quality of rainwater runoff in the Rock River and how wetlands filter runoff, reduce flooding and provide a home for wildlife. Information about using rain gardens, rain barrels and natural landscaping to capture rain drops will be available, along with coloring books and other activities for kids.

Trolley Tours—The Rockford Park District Trolley will start offering rides this Friday and continue through Aug. 27. The trolley departs from the station near Riverview Ice House at 3:30 p.m., 4:15 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The half-hour narrated tour is $2 per rider (cash only); children 4 and younger ride free.

Rockford City Market is a collaborative effort of several agencies, including the Rock River Development Partnership, On the Waterfront, Inc., Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, the River District, the City of Rockford, the Rockford Area Economic Development Council and Smith Charitable Foundation.