40. Saturday Market, 4/3/11

Any weekend in Oregon without rain would be a good weekend to visit to the Portland Saturday Market. I have to say, this is not your garden variety swap meet. There is some real talent here. Ongoing since 1974, the Portland Saturday Market is the largest continually operating outdoor arts and crafts market in the nation. Centered in Portland’s historic Old Town, the market is one of the most popular shopping destinations for local handcrafted goods.

You can stroll down row upon row of local handcrafted items and homemade foods. The Portland Saturday Market – open Sundays too – is open on Saturdays from 10 to 5 and Sundays from 11 to 4:30 from March through Christmas Eve. Where else can you attend Festival of the Last Minute – Procrastinators Rejoice!

The Market offers a unique opportunity for customers to meet the artists as well as see one of a kind pieces created in the artist’s booth. With over 350 small businesses, live music, and a plethora of exotic foods, there is something that will satisfy everyone’s appetite. As one would expect, the types of crafts and artisan goods sold at the Portland Saturday Market vary widely. The market has strict rules on what constitutes a craft or artisan product so there is a definite “handmade” flair here. In other words, you will not be coming across booths selling unoriginal made in a factory somewhere. This rule makes and keeps the market real. I saw many treats: pets items, photography, wood crafts, baby gifts, body products, pottery, games, garden items, clothing, glass art, and jewelry to name just a few. One of the booths that brought the most fun has to be Spoonman...the picture says it all.

There are other artists at the market are, otherwise known as of course, the musicians. These folks draw a crowd and as expected, the style of music is varied. From folk, to blue grass, to rock and roll and even some metal, you can expect to enjoy many different kinds of music as you shop, eat, or people watch.

Of course, what day would not be complete without good food. The menu here was different, was varied, and offered a little bit of everything. The menu rotates as vendors come and go but many of these options are relative staples: Greek, Lebanese, Creole BBQ, Polish, Asian and Thai, Vegetarian, Healthy Mexican, Pacific Northwest style chowder, Guatemalan, Hawaiian, East African, as well as American fare such as burgers, chili fries, pizza, and more. You will also find several packaged foods such as roasted nuts, fudge, chocolates, spices, bakery items, and deserts.

As an extra treat, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and absolutely beautiful. As a photographer, I could not get enough of those flowers, the photo ops, etc. I could have stayed there all afternoon, looking for that elusive “perfect” shot. I am truly blessed to live in a state and a part of the country that offers so many beautiful places to take in God’s beauty…I NEVER get tired of looking for that “perfect” shot…my journey continues and the next shot is waiting for me.