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/.