Politics & Government
Tardy Crops Delay Newly Expanded Market Fest
Harsh weather has delayed early spring crops by almost three weeks, say Market Fest officials.
When Eagan's Market Fest began in 2007, there were only ten vendors and the season lasted just 12 weeks.
But due to popular demand Market Fest has expanded to 17 weeks and already has more than 60 vendors scheduled to sell their goods every Wednesday through Sept. 28.
Unfortunately only a few of those produce vendors were on hand for the June 8 Opening Day because, according to Recreation Supervisor Kerry Phillips, early spring crops are running about 2-3 weeks behind schedule.
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Despite Wednesday's beautiful weather, the number of visitors was down too.
Phillips said that last year's Market Fest attracted a total of 24,000 visitors, which was an average of approximately 2,500-2,800 visitors per week.
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Two and a half hours after the event kicked off on Opening Day, the celebration had already notched just over 1,200.
The vendors that were on hand offered produce, food in jars, handicrafts, beverages and hot food. Kids' activities ranged from art projects to a playground and organized family games such as ring toss, ladder golf, and hula hoops.
"We encourage families and friends to make an evening of it," Phillips said.
The new Festival Grounds pavillion offers picnic tables and, in addition to Kowalski's market, a new food concession vendor has been added this year offering wood-fired gourmet pizzas.
Market Fest will run Wednesdays through September 28 and for the month of June the City of Eagan is offering a $5 voucher to individuals choosing to bike to the weekly event.
