With a brand new pavilion providing shelter for about half of the vendors, the Rockford City Market opened for its sixth season Friday night along Water Street on the east bank of the Rock River.
The pavilion, which replaces a crumbling parking deck that was closed for safety reasons, was finished just days ago to be ready for the opening.
Cathy McDermott, administrator of market operator Rock River Development Partnership, said 65 vendors -- eight more than last year -- were participating in the opening day.
We have farmers, we have prepared food, we have candles, soap, jewelry, cheese bread, and about anything in between," she said.
Among the vendors, Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey said in his welcoming remarks, are companies which got their start at the market and moved into more permanent retail locations in downtown and elsewhere.
Third Ward Ald. Tom McNamara said the business incubator effect of the market is just one of the benefits.
"The thing I think that it does best is that it's being utilized as a place for people to gather. It's free to anyone to come down and enjoy it," he said "It's bringing new friends together; it's bringing old friends together. It's building a sense of community."
Morrissey also told the gathering that the City Council will be asked next week to begin the process of converting buildings along East State Street -- just east of the outdoor market site -- to serve the location of an indoor market which can function year round.
He said the funding comes from a state grant promised years ago, so it will not detract from current budget needs.
As far as opening-night attendance, McDermott said the sponsors hope to at least equal last year's figure of more than 7,000. More than 75,000 attended throughout the season, which runs through the end of October.