CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Downtown business owners and vendors were preparing Friday afternoon for the Saturday market after dark and the thousands of people that come with it.
“It’s just one of those nights on the ship,” said Bob Wagner, owner of Desire Pizza.
Wagner is no stranger to the annual event. He’s trying something a little different this year.
“We’re going to have a booth in front of the restaurant to sell pizza by the door,” Wagner said. This allows people to eat or dine outside.
Rick Nogle, owner of Awesome for 20 years, and his business partner Ashton Wilkins, owner of Sole Street Shoes, are new business owners downtown. They hope this event will help get their name out there.
“It was rewarding and exciting to see so many people walking through the store and looking bright and vibrant,” Nogle said.
Preparing for such an event is not an easy task; Even to some with vast market experience like Tim Palmer, also known as The Salsa Guy.
“We probably go through 10 days of production in four to five hours,” Palmer said.
As business owners continue to prepare for thousands of potential customers, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
“As soon as the 6:30 bell goes off, it’s a battle to keep going,” Palmer said. “It’s a great problem.”
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