Today is this month's Freight House Farmer's Market, and the first one I've bee able to make it to. If you're reading this before 3pm today, hop on down there. I watched the QCTimes video of the last one, but I didn't expect nearly so many people. We arrived within 10 minutes of the official opening, and as you can see in the image to the right, the lot was already packed.It turned out that the whole place was packed. It was great to see so many people downtown for this, and I think the monthly winter markets could be made into weekly winter markets. I definitely look forward to summer, when hopefully both farmer's markets can come together and share the space both in and around the Freight House. With the new playground, the potential for bands, and a lot of good things to eat, it should be a heck of a bi-weekly event for downtown. I also am looking forward to the repainting of the space formerly occupied by Banana Joes!
16 comments:
I think they got this just right. Having the Farmer's Market occupy the entire Freight House (one of the original ideas floated) would have been way too large of a space for it. I think giving them just this piece of it is just the right size, for now. Hopefully it continues to grow.
Well, for these winter markets where nothing is outside (except kettle corn) it was actually too small. I could hardly move in there, and the crowd actually prevented me from easily purchasing something at one of the vendors. It'd be nice if they could get some overhead propane heaters for the outdoor patio area and have some booths outside if its not in the single digits.
Paying Mr. Ahrens $75,000 a year to walk around and collect $15.00 once a monthe from each vendor is bozo economics.
His job isn't designed to make money; its to manage the riverfront. Would you rather he spent more money hiring someone to collect the vendor payments?
Or are you just complaining for complaining's sake?
3:05
Take a deep breath and think about what you just said. You don't honestly believe that is all Mr. Ahrens does, do you?
Bozo Economics, that’s what we used to get from the former third ward alderman.
QCI,
I was down there about 10:20 and the place was packed. Actual they need three times more vendors. Quad Citians want an indoor and outdoor market, and if we can assure the vendors space and time, they will provide a great deal.
We should be careful, because there really was a limited number of products offered. It was more of a big bake sale then anything else...
Hope Ahrens and the vendors see the potential and get going.
I bought meat, cheese, and fresh bread. A fruit pie for my brother's birthday. While I agree that there were a lot of baked goods, there was a good variety. Very crowded, though and you couldn't really talk with vendors to find out what was new or how their winter was going. I missed Ives-the best chicken, meat, and egg guy at the Market. Hopefully he will be there next time.
I was down there Saturday morning. Saw more former alderman at one time, then any time I can recall. I joked to my wife, that they were there to collect all their kick backs.
But then I saw Mr. Myer cleaning ice off sidewalks, and I think it was McGivern with his young kid buying cookies and stuff.
And of course, Ahrens making the rounds out front.
Guess they are just normal people as well, of course, normal people with kick backs
It is winter folks. What do you expect? This is a local indoor farmers market. In Iowa, in the winter, what can they offer but fresh bread?
I can't even believe that anyone would have a negative comment about this wonderful event. It is to bad this isn't an every Saturday event with more space. Maybe with all but 3 of the againster aldermen gone something good can happen at the freight house.
What a great photo - nice work.
I agree with 11:01. Would we rather go back to the vacant, rotting Freight House? The building is not meant to be a money maker by itself for the city, but getting all those people downtown is worth something to nearby businesses. Not to mention having a vital downtown is worth something to everyone.
Ahrens' salary is to manage the entire riverfront, highlighted by major projects like the Centennial Park and, if the casino ever moves, LeClaire Park. We can argue whether Ahrens is the right person for the job, but the salary is designed to attract a qualified professional to manage these projects. Would you rather have an amateur managing these projects?
Yes, great pic, QCI. Steve Arends has already earned his salary in grants received. He is doing a great job and is an asset to the City.
I have always liked Steve AHrens. He is a great guy.
Maybe when Gluba gets done with the pothole reports we can get a Mr. Ahrens daily report. That would help clear things up. Show everybody all the good he does. Or even a daily Mr. Malin one would spring break some of the alley ruts. Go for it QCI, buddy.
Great idea - how about a daily report on getting the slum rentals cleaned up or the drug dealers busted?
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