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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (June 18, 1979)
Saturday Market f Visitors find Eugene to be a crafty city By STEVE MYERS Of the Emerald The Saturday Market, Eugene’s weekend alternative to the shopping center, is en tering its tenth year of operation and promises local shoppers the best that area craftspeople have to offer Every Saturday, rain or shine from May to December, artisans and craftspeople gather at the parking plaza across the street from the Lane County Court house at Eighth Avenue and Oak Street. They come from all over the county to display their wares and services Merchants set up outdoor stalls in about 225 predesignat ed sites, offering a variety of items from ornate leather crafts to exotic Arabian food. In fact, if it's made by hand, a prospective buyer can probably find it at the market If not, the buyer can usually find someone who can and will make it on consign ment. Established in May 1970 with only 29 vendors, the Saturday Market has grown into the area's largest outlet for crafts people and artisans. For years the market has been an institu tion in the downtown area, drawing large crowds every weekend — if the weather s right. People come from all over the county seeking a good buy or just a good time In addition to usual hand f made items, home-grown and ready-to-eat foods, the market has a constant flow of enter tainment All day tong, area mu sicians and actors perform for whomever will watch and they don’t charge a cent, though donations are gladly accepted There were three main rea sons for the birth of the Satur day Market in 1970: a large number of local artisans and craftspersons and a public in terest in buying and using crafts; an abundance of local produce and no downtown out let since the closure of the Farmers’ Market in the 1950s; and a dying downtown in need of revitalizing. Besides the market, Eugene boasts three other major craft outlets The Fifth Street Public Market is open seven days a week and is a miniature version of the weekend market, but it has a few added extras Located on the southwest corner of Fifth and High Streets, this market boasts a casual atmosphere. On the main level, several restaurants offer a variety of foods from Greek to Mexican. Also on this floor, merchants display hand-made crafts such as original scenic photography and crystal glass-work In the basement of the building.bulk foods are sold — meat produce and bakery goods Musicians are encouraged to perform in the restaurant area or in the courtyard just west of the mam building Recently it was announced that the Fifth Street Public Mar ket will be expanding, the number of merchants in the building is expected to expand also The Jefferson Elevator, a grain elevator-turned-market place at Third Avenue and Jef ferson Street, offers shoppers many of the same products, from tie-dyed baby clothing to an ice cream parlor Made In Oregon, located across the street from the Fifth Street Public Market, opened three years ago in April and provides a marketplace for at least 60 merchants specializing tn handmade furniture and fix tures. On June 29 through July 1. artisans and craftspeople from all over the state will gather near Veneta, west of Eugene, for the Oregon Country Fair Thou sands of people attend the craft festival and enjoy nature, live music and natural foods for the three-day event. l Valley’s Finest Saab/Volvo Repair and Maintenance s A A B M & B Swift Shop Independent Service 12th & Main,Springfield
