Rockford City Market sees record 15,378 visitors so far this season

Online Staff Report

Attendance levels in the first four weeks of the Rockford City Market season have exceeded the pace set by previous years. So far this season, a total of 15,378 visitors passed through the gates. That’s compared to 10,577 during the first four weeks of last season, a 45 percent increase.

Rock River Development Partnership Chairman Peter Provenzano explained: “We’re excited about the impact the market is having on our community. We set out to create a weekly ritual that would bring people into the heart of our downtown. We wanted them to spend time and money there, and the numbers show it’s working. On a consistent basis, downtown is now a happening place on Friday nights.”

Downtown restaurants say they’re reaping the benefits of the additional downtown traffic. The influx of people is not only generating more business on Friday nights, it’s creating new customers.

Octane is one of several downtown restaurants reporting a full house on Friday nights since the market opened June 1.

“We’re seeing a lot of new faces,” said Octane Floor Manager Sarah Reed McNamara. “We’ve seen a tremendous increase in traffic on Friday nights, and it’s not just regulars. There are a lot of new people.”

If you’re heading to Rockford City Market this Friday (June 29), here’s what you can expect:

Music

Three Good Men — Relax and enjoy the sounds of The Three Good Men — a spinoff version of the widely recognized northern Illinois favorite Men of Our Times. Join trio Pat Doherty, Gary Rothmeyer and Greg Whitson to hear songs you’ll recognize, along with many you wouldn’t expect.

Activities

Severson Dells — The Severson Dells Nature Center will be on hand to make paper butterflies for children’s fingers. The center at Severson Dells Forest Preserve works to link people to nature through education.

Macaroni Kids — Local Macaroni Kids newsletter publisher Taylor Westfall will have crafts for kids.

Rockford City Market takes place every Friday from June 1 through Oct. 12 along Water Street between State and Jefferson streets in downtown Rockford. It runs from 3 to 8 p.m. before Labor Day and 3 to 7 p.m. after Labor Day. 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. Visit www.rockfordcitymarket.com.

Posted June 29, 2012