Don't miss this week's market specials!

New vendors will be added to the deck area of the market, so be sure to visit the deck to find out what is new in addition to the demos, activities and beverages that will be available, such as locally brewed beers from Carlyle Brewing Company.

Weekly Specials

Cannoli

Cannoli lovers rejoice! Bella Luna Bakery's featured product this week is their famous cannoli. Be sure to stop by and try one of these tasty Italian treats!

Great Grand Cheddar

The Cheese People of Rockton will showcase the best antique cheddar they could find in the state of Wisconsin. This Great Grand Cheddar was aged 7-plus years and is never bitter or medicinal in the finish. It's sweet with just enough tang, with those addictive crunchy bits all good aged cheeses have. Stop by their booth for a taste of this fantastic aged cheddar!

Caramel Cashew Pretzel Rods

Northwoods Premium Confections' featured treats of the week are pretzel rods coated with their handmade caramel and a generous amount of salted roasted cashews, all drizzled with a premium milk chocolate. Fresh, portable and delicious, this is a great treat to eat while strolling through the market. This week only, the special price is $3 each!

For more information on what's happening at Rockford City Market, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/.

What's New at Rockford City Market this Friday

Weekly Specials

Caramel Crunch Pretzels
Northwoods Premium Confections will feature caramel crunch pretzels - mini pretzels coated with a caramel-flavored toffee. They have a delicious buttery caramel flavor and are crunchy and tender with just the right balance of salty and sweet. Choose from snack size ($2), medium ($4) and large ($8) sizes. They make a mouth-watering snack for yourself or a great gift for the pretzel or toffee-lover in your family!

Cheese of the Week - Texochile Cheddar
The Cheese People of Rockton will feature Texochile Cheddar as their cheese of the week. The cheese is a young white cheddar with roasted jalapenos in a spicy tomato marinade. It's not as hot as it looks and is excellent on scrambled eggs or in a quesadilla. Stop by their booth to try a sample.

Drinks from JavaMania
JavaMania Coffee Roastery has freshly roasted organic coffee, hot or iced espresso drinks and mango smoothies for sale this week.

Reflexology/Massage Special
Book an hour session of reflexology or massage at Healthy Balance Reflexology Clinic's booth during the market and receive $10 off.

Entertainment & Activities
Storytelling with Rockford Public Library
3 - 4 p.m.
Children can enjoy storytime courtesy of the Rockford Public Library.

Astronomy Exhibit by Discovery Center Museum
3 - 7 p.m.
Kids will enjoy learning about astronomy with fun, hands-on activities from Discovery Center Museum.

Music by Jodi Beach
4:30 - 7 p.m.
Local favorite Jodi Beach will delight audiences with her smooth vocal stylings. Beginning in 1995, Jodi joined the jazz community as a pianist and vocalist with the Moonlight Jazz Orchestra and has since formed the Jodi Beach Trio.

For more information on Rockford City Market, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/!

Here's what to expect at this Friday's Rockford City Market

Last week's attendance at Rockford City Market was upwards of 1,000 people, and the market has grown to more than 30 vendors since its launch 3 weeks ago! Among the new vendors this week is another produce vendor.

Here’s a look at what you can expect at this week’s market:

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
Organic vegetables and herbs, Rockford on Board games
http://youthbuildrockford.org/

Rock Snake Silverworks
Unique, sterling silver artisan jewelry
http://rocksnakesilverworks.com/

Other potential vendors are currently going through the application process, so stay tuned for vendor updates. If you wish to become a vendor, you can obtain an application on the market website at http://rockfordcitymarket.com/ or by contacting the market manager at 815.964.4388/info@rockfordcitymarket.com.

Entertainment & Activities

*UPDATE*
Music by Mike Donze
Mike Donze will perform acoustic guitar music from 4- 7 p.m. at this week’s Rockford City Market. Singer/songwriter Emily Hurd has been rescheduled for August.

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 August 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 under ride free.

Rockford City Market takes place 3 – 7 p.m. every Friday through October 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.

For more information, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/.

Vendor Update: Smooth to Start July 2

Smooth will be at the Rockford City Market starting July 2 instead of tomorrow, so you can get a Fijian massage and have your tarot cards read starting next week. Is the City Market in your future? I'm no tarot card reader like the Smooth staff, but my handy Magic 8 Ball says the outlook is good!

What's your favorite thing to do in downtown Rockford?

Rockford City Market is back starting at 3 p.m. tomorrow with all of your favorite vendors, plus lots more! But the market isn't the only thing happening in downtown Rockford. Here are some other ways you can experience downtown at its best:


Discover De-Light-Ful Science
It's Family Friday at the Discovery Center Museum. Head down before the market each Friday from 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. for a day of fun. This week experience De-Light-Ful Science. Experiment with black light, capture a rainbow, construct a color viewer and more! Bounce a laser beam and make a light-catching sculpture as you explore the light spectrum during this dazzlingly fun event.

Dine at Original Restaurants
Stop by one of Rockford's many downtown restaurants for an original dining experience. Enjoy unique Asian cuisine, dine on fresh seafood, or grab a pizza. You'll find the perfect dinner to fit your tastebuds and your wallet.

Catch Friday Night Flix
Take the family to Davis Park for Friday Night Flix, spread out your blanket and watch Ghostbusters. Free popcorn, inexpensive food and beer, wine and soda are available starting at 7 p.m. The movie begins at dusk (roughly 9 p.m.), with pre-show entertainment starting around 8. Check out their Facebook page for future shows.

Explore Nightlife
Stick around after the movie and experience nightlife in downtown Rockford. You will find atmospheres to fit every mood, from upscale wines and martinis to pub-style microbrews and craft beers to neighborhood bars and night clubs. Live it up in Rockford's River District.

Ride the Trolley
Rockford Mass Transit District will provide free trolley service between the Museum Campus, Rockford City Market and Davis Park. The trolley will run from 3:30 - 11:30 p.m., with additional stops at block 5 (State and Second Streets), the Coronado and State and Main Streets. Click here for a map of the trolley route.

Where will you be on Friday night?

For more information on Rockford City Market, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/.

Coming up this Friday at Rockford City Market

Thanks to everyone who braved the storms and attended last week's market. Despite the severe weather, nearly a dozen vendors were able to continue selling, and they found plenty of customers willing to withstand the rain.

Rockford City Market has added several new vendors since opening week, so you now have nearly 30 vendor booths to browse each Friday. New vendors will be joining the market in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for updates!

Here's what to expect at the market this Friday, June 25:

New Market Vendors
Four new vendors will join Rockford City Market this week!

With Bliss Beads Studio & Gallery you can buy finished jewelry, or purchase beads and jewelry components for creating your own original piece right at the market.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with Northwoods Premium Confections, including toffee, fudge, gourmet pretzel rods, popcorn balls and candied apples.

Stop by Smooth and have your tarot cards read or receive a Fijian massage, a deep compression massage using the therapist's feet.

All of your favorite vendors from previous weeks will also be back, some with new offerings, so make sure to visit them as well!

Entertainment
In addition to our regular vendors, Rockford City Market will feature new entertainment, demonstrations and kids' activities each week. Join us Friday, June 25, for the following:

Music by Ken Curtis from 4 - 7 p.m.
Ken Curtis has been on the Rockford music scene since 1996. He's a two-time RAMI award winner in the folk/solo pop category. His album of original songs entitled "Hours and Ours" was recorded with a host of Rockford's best musicians and was honored as 2003's RAMI Album of the Year.

Demonstrations by Pranayama Yoga with Jennie Williford Join in relaxing yoga demonstrations taught by the owner of Pranayama Yoga Studio. Bring your yoga mats and wear comfortable clothing. Demonstrations start at 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 and will last for 30 mintues.

Weekly Drawing
First Northern Credit Union is pleased to sponsor the Rockford City Market each week. Please stop by the information table to learn more about First Northern Credit Union and register for a chance to win a Visa Gift Card!

For more information on Rockford City Market, including vendor and performer applications, be sure to visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/!

Volunteers Needed for Rockford City Market

Calling all volunteers! We are looking for people to staff the Market entrances from 3 to 7 p.m. on Fridays through October 22. All you need is a friendly smile to welcome our patrons as you hand out the Market directory. If you are interested in helping out and/or would like more information about volunteering, please send an email to intern@onthewaterfront.com and let us know which Friday you are able to lend a hand. Thank you!

Coming Up This Friday at Rockford City Market

Opening day for Rockford City Market last Friday was a huge success! Hundreds of people kicked off their weekend by experiencing the sites, sounds, tastes and smells of the Market. Thanks to all who came out. We hope you enjoyed the market and make it a regular part of your summer. Here's what's coming up for this Friday:

New vendors include:
- Lori’s Recycled Chic – functional art from old and vintage objects
- Tyler’s Crepes
- Wood Fire Brick Oven Pizzas – the oven has arrived, so they WILL have pizzas!

Entertainment:
- Story Time by the Rockford Public Library from 3 to 4 p.m.
- UPDATE: Mike Donze will provide live music on the acoustic guitar. For more information, visit http://myspace.com/donzephotography.

For more information on Rockford City Market, including vendor and performer applications, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/.

Rockford City Market Parking & Transportation

Parking
The best place to park while at Rockford City Market is at Riverview Icehouse, 324 N. Madison St., but you can also park along Madison and Market Streets. Use the parking map below as a reference for downtown parking garages and surface lots:

Transportation

Getting around downtown Rockford on Fridays will be easier than ever with the RMTD Trolley running free routes from 3:30 to 11:30 p.m. The route will run from Riverfront Museum Park to the Coronado Performing Arts Center, then to the Sullivan Center/Mulberry & Main Streets, Davis Park, East State Street at 2nd Street, back to the Sullivan Center/Mulberry & Main and ending at the Coronado. Here's the route map:

Rockford City Market Opening Day Line-Up

Rockford City Market opens this Friday, June 11, on Water Street between State and Jefferson Streets. Come on down between 3 and 7 p.m. and shop at nearly 20 vendors booths for food and bakery items and unique gifts. For a full vendor list, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/.

The RMTD trolley will run FREE 25-minute round trip routes from 3-11 p.m. servicing Rockford City Market, the museum campus, Friday Night Flix and downtown businesses.

In addition to vendors, Rockford City Market will also feature new entertainment, demonstrations and kids' activities each week. Don't miss:

Performances by Frank and Mike
Frank Calvagna and Mike Youngblood play a mix of classic and Latin jazz standards, along with their own interpretations of contemporary songs. Calvagna is a well-known jazz guitarist and has won RAMI and Best of Rockford awards both as an individual performer and for his work with the band Opan Jii. Youngblood is also a Best of Rockford winner and has performed with the bands Grooveasaurus and Mr. Big Stuff.

Demonstrations by 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. An interactive watershed model shows how land use affects the quality of rainwater runoff in the Rock River. Information about rain gardens, rain barrels and natural landscaping to capture raindrops will be available.

Kids' Activities
Join Emmi Rose Productions at the kids' tent and try your hand at making "milkshaker" maracas. Other arts and crafts activities will also be included.

For more information on the Rockford City Market, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/.

More Rockford City Market vendors have been announced!

Rockford City Market has approved eight additional vendors for the inaugural season, bringing the total number of vendors to 16! Additional applications are still undergoing approval, so more vendors will be announced in the coming weeks. The following merchants will provide coffee, smoothies, artwork, wines, corn, gifts and beauty products:

• JavaMania Roastery
http://javamaniacoffee.com/
Espresso, smoothies, coffee

• Kurt Erickson Photography & Design
http://ericksonsphotodesign.com/
Original artwork

• PRP Wines
http://prpwine.com/
Wines by the bottle

• Twin Garden Farms
http://twingardenfarms.com/
Sweet corn

• Very Cute
Headbands, hats, pins and such

• O'Fallons
http://ofallonsflowers.com/
Fresh flowers

• Burlap Works
http://burlapworks.com/
Purses, pillows, accessories all made from recycled coffee sacks

• Wood Fire Brick Oven Pizza
Brick oven pizzas made on-site

Interested in being a vendor? Applications will be accepted throughout the market season. For an application, visit http://rockfordcitymarket.com/ or contact the market manager at 815.964.4388 or info@rockfordcitymarket.com.

And remember, Rockford City Market opens this Friday (June 11) from 3 to 7 p.m. on Water Street between Jefferson and State Streets. Don't miss it!!

Downtown Rockford Will Be Bustling With Activity This Summer!

Less than a block away from the Rockford City Market, the Rockford Park District offers great programs for all ages. To kick off a summer of fun, the Rockford Park District is hosting "A Trolley Good Time" on June 5 -- just 1 week before the opening day of the City Market!

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 5, to celebrate the season opening of the Park District’s Trolley and Forest City Queen. Be part of the "River, Rail & Rink Special," where the entire family can enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Forest City Queen, take a track trolley ride or skate at the Riverview Ice House. Meet Rocky and the Magic Waters mascots, Atwood’s Birds of Prey, and check out the new Jr. IceHogs off-ice training facility and Rapid Shot system. Plus, the Pepsi Street Team will be on hand giving out free Pepsi samples.

Admission to the event is free; tickets for the Trolley, Forest City Queen and skating can be purchased at the Trolley Station, 324 N. Madison Street. A hot dog lunch including chips and a beverage can be purchased for just $3.

For more information, including summer rates and hours, please visit http://rockfordparkdisrict.org/ or call the Rockford Park District at 815-987-8800.

And remember to head out to the Rockford City Market's opening day on Friday, June 11!

Rockford City Market Announces Four Fridays of Entertainment

The entertainment line-up for the first four weeks of Rockford City Market have been announced! Musicians will perform at the Friday market from 4:30 - 7 p.m., with a brief intermission.

Scheduled Performers:

June 11 – Frank and Mike

Frank Calvagna and Mike Youngblood play a mix of classic and Latin jazz standards, along with their own interpretations of contemporary songs. They perform extensively throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, including the Madison and Milwaukee areas. Calvagna is a well-known jazz guitarist and has won RAMI and Best of Rockford awards both as an individual performer and for his work with the band Opan Jii. Youngblood is also a Best of Rockford winner, and has performed with the bands Grooveasuarus and Mr. Big Stuff.

June 18 – Dan Voll

A four-time RAMI winner, Dan Voll is considered one of the Midwest’s most versatile guitarists performing blues, jazz, Latin jazz, world music and acoustic. He has performed throughout the Midwest, with numerous gigs in Chicago and several in Los Angeles.

June 25 – Ken Curtis

Ken Curtis has been on the Rockford music scene since 1996. He’s a two time RAMI award winner in the folk/solo pop category. His album of original songs entitled “Hours and Ours” was recorded with a host of Rockford’s best musicians and was honored as 2003’s RAMI Album of the Year.

July 2 – Emily Hurd

Singer/songwriter Emily Hurd recently released her 6th 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.


Additional performers and vendors will be announced in the coming weeks. Anyone wishing to become a vendor or performer must submit a completed application to the market manager and go through the approval process in order to ensure a wide variety of goods and performance types at the market. Applications can be found at http://rockfordcitymarket.com or by contacting the market manager at 815.964.4388 or info@rockfordcitymarket.com.

Rockford City Market will take place from 3 – 7 p.m. on Fridays from June 11 – October 22 along Water Street in downtown Rockford, between State and Jefferson Streets.

Veteran Outdoor Vendors: Any tips for First-time Vendors?

Local artist Jennifer Mullin wrote a blog post on Monday about the challenges she faced with setting up her outdoor tent at May Fest in Sterling. Read the post here: "It's Not Always Sunny in Sterling." Jennifer was faced with drizzly, cold weather with high winds that made it next to impossible to weigh her tent down. Are there any veteran outdoor vendors out there who could provide some tips and best practices for setting up an outdoor booth in not-so-ideal conditions?

The First 8 Rockford City Market Vendors Have Been Announced!

The Rockford City Market has announced the first 8 vendors for the inaugural season! The following merchants will provide baked goods, cheeses, organic meats, gifts and beauty products:

• Bella Luna Bakery
Baked goods including cannoli, Italian chocolates, biscotti, breads and more

• Etim’s Beauty
http://www.etimbeauty.com/
Soaps and shea butter

• The Cheese People
http://www.thecheesepeople.com/
Cheese and dairy products

• Minglewood
http://www.minglewood.us/
Jewelry, candles, candle holders and clothing

• Tyler’s Landscaping Service
http://www.tylerslandscaping.com/
Plants and flowers

• The Meat Goat
http://www.themeatgoat.com/
Grass-fed organic beef, chicken and pork, plus eggs

• Chemung Tech
http://www.chemungtech.com/
Handmade yard pieces, walking sticks and caricature work on wood

• Choices Natural Market
http://www.choicesnaturalmarket.com/
Organic snacks and sandwiches, handmade clothing

Additional applications are currently under consideration by the market’s steering committee, so more vendors will be announced in the coming the weeks!

Applications are still being accepted. Anyone wishing to become a vendor or performer must submit a completed application to the market manager and go through the approval process in order to ensure a wide variety of goods and performance types at the market. Applications can be found on the market website at http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/ or by contacting the market manager at 815.964.4388 or info@rockfordcitymarket.com.

Vendor and Performer Applications Now Available

Applications are now available for anyone wishing to become a vendor or performer at the new Rockford City Market! The market's 2010 season will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays, June 11 through October 22, rain or shine, along Water Street in downtown Rockford, near the intersection of State and Water Streets.

The market will include 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 performers. Vendors and performers located within a 150-mile radius of the Rockford Region are encouraged to apply.

Anyone wishing to become a vendor or performer must submit a completed application to the Market Manager. Each application must go through an approval process in order to ensure a wide variety of goods and performance types at the market. Applications can be found on the market website at http://www.rockfordcitymarket.com/ or by contacting the Market Manager at 815.964.4388 or info@rockfordcitymarket.com.

For vendors, all booths are 10’ X 10’ spaces and are rented at the seasonal rate of $500 per booth or $250 for a half season (10 weeks). For the inaugural 2010 Market season, the first booth space is free. Vendors will be charged for each additional space. Space assignments are issued by the Market Manager upon application approval. The market requires a $100 seasonal deposit or $50 half season deposit from every vendor to ensure consistent attendance. Deposits will be returned in full on the last day of the market provided the vendor attends 90% of the markets.

Performers will be determined by the Market Manager and may vary each week. Entertainment must be appro­priate for a family-oriented open-air market. Performers may set up a display area for tips, informational brochures and sale of their own recorded music.

Be a part of Rockford City Market's inaugural year and submit your application today!

We Want Fans!!!

Follow us, Add us, Share us, Subscribe to us!! We want fans and friends, and to be fans and friends of you!! This market is going to be beautiful, fun, and bring great economic development, innovation, and incubation to the Rockford Region!! Get involved!!

New Website

This is our first post, to let you know that our website is almost completed and will be up shortly! Just in time for the summer!

We're starting to work on the website! www.rockfordcitymarket.com. Check it out!