DES MOINES, Iowa — From the Farmers Market to the 17th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, events drew out crowds all across Des Moines.

Saturday started off early at 7 a.m. with the opening day for the 50th Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market.

Brenda Waddle, the owner of Thrill’s Produce, a vendor at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market, said that the event has grown since it started.

“It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown. We started in a parking lot across the street, moved to a bigger parking lot, and then sometime in the eighties, moved out into the street. So it’s grown huge in the last few years. It’s great,” Waddle said.

Over at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, the 17th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival drew crowds of people. Brooke Guinn, an attendee, said that the event was worth going to.

“I’ve been in Iowa for 20 years and have never attended. Gladly, my first year blown away,” said Guinn. “Such a blast. So much good food, so much good fun.”

Later in the afternoon, the Papa John’s Sculpture Park filled with prom goers enjoying the nice weather and taking pictures. Isaac Hatchitt, a prom goer, said that the weather was perfect for photos.

“We took pictures earlier and I was a little chilly. But since the sun’s come out, the clouds kind of cleared up. It’s been beautiful weather. I’m excited for the dance. Usually it’s fun and most exciting after fun and all the games and stuff we do there,” said Hatchitt.

On Sunday, the Des Moines Women’s Marathon will aslo take over with multiple street closures from 4:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. throughout downtown.