Seven new vendors at today’s (Aug. 13) Rockford City Market, 3-7 p.m.

From press release

At least seven new vendors—for a total of 40 vendors—will be featured at today’s (Friday, Aug. 13) Rockford City Market between 3 and 7 p.m. along Water Street, between State and Jefferson streets, in downtown Rockford.

Additional vendors are also scheduled to start Aug. 20 and Aug. 27.

The additions mean vendors will now join the entertainment and activities on the terrace.

Here’s a look at the other activities taking place at the market today:

Entertainment and 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.

Weekly specials

Italian Pineapple Cookies—After requests from several loyal customers, Bella Luna Bakery will have a new tasty treat—Italian pineapple cookies!

Chocolate-Drizzled Potato Chips—Northwoods Premium Confections will feature chocolate-drizzled potato chips. They take a Rockford hometown favorite—Mrs. Fisher’s rippled potato chips—and hand drizzle them with just the right amount of premium milk chocolate. You won’t believe how good these are until you try them. Available this week—$2 for a snack-size bag.

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.

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.