12/20/2011
Jeff Kolkey

More than half of Rockford City Market visitors attended the Friday afternoon summer and fall event four or more times, according to a survey of 151 attendees.

The market's second full season on Water Street between State and Jefferson streets in downtown Rockford, drew thousands of people on Friday afternoons from June through October for fresh produce, live music, artisans and vendors.

The web-based survey set up by the Rock River Development Partnership, found 52 percent of the respondents spend on average one to two hours per visit to the market and 29 percent spend 30 to 50 minutes there. They also come prepared to spend: 46 percent said they spend $10 to $25 per visit and 42 percent said they spend $25 or more each week.

About 47 percent said they wanted more ethnic prepared food and more fresh produce.

A majority of respondents visited a restaurant or shop in downtown Rockford before or after their visit to the City Market.

But it would appear Friday Night Flix is drawing its own crowds to downtown Rockford. The free outdoor summer movie series on Friday nights in Davis Park drew an estimated 18,028 to a 12-movie season. Just 13 percent of City Market respondents said they took in a movie at Davis Park.

A whopping 97 percent said they would recommend the market to a friend or relative.




For More Information:
http://www.rrstar.com/blogs/jeffkolkey/x435680878/Survey-says