Market Manager Trisha Wilder was happy with the turnout, even though there were some empty vendor spots initially.

“Those spots have all been sold, though,” she said. “They are just not here today.”

All of the vendor spaces under the pavilion have been sold and Wilder is setting others up in the parking lot.

One of the vendors in the parking lot was the Marshalltown favorite Clare’s Tenderloins. Owner Clare Willsher said it was the first time his business had been back at the location in the last couple of years. Prior to Wednesday, Clare’s Tenderloins was a regular presence at the Fisher Community Center during market days.

Clare Willsher, owner of Clare’s Tenderloins, fries one of his tenderloins during the Wednesday Cartwright Farmers Market. There was a line of people waiting for his cuisine, which also includes mango smoothies.

“I think it’s going good,” Willsher said. “We have a good following. I post on Facebook where we’re going to be. There’s a good crowd here and a lot of vendors.”

Some new vendors Wilder said will be present this year include Minerva’s Meadow, selling fresh flowers; Windy Hill Homestead with vegetables; Amelia Ward Creations with crocheted items; and more.

“A lot of people are requesting applications for spots,” she said.

Something new implemented this year will be the Marshalltown Strong night on the third Wednesday of every month.

“Any Marshalltown business will be able to come in with samples, business cards, fliers and we will not charge them for anything,” Wilder said.

If the opening is any indication of how the season will go, that will be a benefit for vendors and businesses involved. On the first day of the market, Wilder had to direct some traffic. Customers eager to get to the wares, were parking where vendor stalls were supposed to be. Wilder had to tell quite a few to park elsewhere, and the nearby parking lots were packed.

“And this is just the beginning,” she said.

CARTWRIGHT DOWNTOWN FARMER’S MARKET

When: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays; 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays

Where: 108 N. Second Ave.

Online: Facebook @CartwrightMarket

Contact: Email cartwright.market@gmail.com or call Trisha Wilder at 641-351-9181

MARSHALLTOWN STRONG DAYS

Cartwright Downtown Farmers Market is seeking dedicated volunteers to help during Marshalltown Strong Days May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15 and Oct. 20.

Call 641-351-9181 or email cartwright.market@gmail.com

CRAFT FAIR DATES

• May 29

• June 26

• July 31

• Aug. 28

• Sept. 25

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Contact Lana Bradstreamat 641-753-6611 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.