Salem Saturday Market Kickoff 2012 is a Blooming Success

Oregon sunshine (the dry variety) was enjoyed by all!

Salem Saturday Market-goers check out the local produce. Photo by Bonnie King, Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - What is your idea of a Saturday morning in spring time? In Salem, Oregon, Spring means coming outdoors, breathing in the fresh air, and maybe even turning over some soil in your own backyard. Friends and neighbors are seen mowing their yards, planning for events under sunny skies and looking for new, intriguing products to make spring really sing.

There’s no better place to see that convergence of time and beauty than at the Salem Saturday Market.

The first Salem Saturday Market of the season, last weekend, was anxiously awaited for, and conspicuously absent of umbrellas. As if scheduled in advance, the sun shined on the happy Salemites all day long. That may have had something to do with all the smiling people.

After the initial shock of bright colors upon entering the Market, the next thing that stands out is the diverse types of products displayed in sight. Whether looking for a particular locally made item, or waiting for the right thing to find you, the Salem Saturday Market is plum full of high quality products from A to Z.

Walking through the Market is fun in itself, the “window shopping” and people-watching make for an entertaining stroll, and a vivid introduction into what the Salem area creative artisans, craftsman, local farms and specialty foods are all about. It can be a difficult decision when it comes to what to eat for lunch, so I suggest making more than one choice and sharing with a friend. Why not enjoy?

The business owners and the artists are often available to meet at their booths. They seem sincerely pleased to share their experiences and sometimes an anecdote or two, which is a special treat and makes for a memorable event.

Salem Saturday Mkt -

Saturday markets and farmers markets are a tradition from centuries of old; scores of generations have enjoyed the chance to market their goods to their neighbors, and to see what their neighbors have to offer. Salem’s market continues in this vein, gathering weekly to bring the goods to the people. It is a great venue to find local farm products, handmade soaps, fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, even rocks. Beautiful Oregon rocks.

Some aromas draw you in from yards away; some delicacies only need to be seen to have the same mouthwatering effect. Incredible works of art, jewelry, gifts to impress, and clothes for all occasions are just a few of the things you have to look forward to all season long right here in Salem. It is a great way to start the day, or spend a great portion of it, if possible. Dogs are allowed, as long as they are on a leash.

Every Saturday morning from now through October (9 am – 3 pm) you will have another chance to hear live music (beginning in May), take in the colors of spring, and eventually summer, and taste and smell the scents that will give you something to write home about. Unless you’re already home, in which case you can count yourself lucky.

The upcoming Wednesday Farmer's Market begins in May and is held on Chemeketa Street from 10 am till 2 pm. Then of course, it is a good idea to mark the calendar now for the Salem Holiday Market, slated for December 8 & 9 at the Fairgrounds. Lots to look forward to.

See what Salem’s made of, come to Saturday Market, at the corner of Marion and Summer Streets. There you will discover what I did: the heart of our community.

Bonnie King has been with Salem-News.com since August '04, when she became Publisher. Bonnie has served in a number of positions in the broadcast industry; TV Production Manager at KVWB (Las Vegas WB) and Producer/Director for the TV series "Hot Wheels in Las Vegas", posts as TV Promotion Director for KYMA (NBC), and KFBT (Ind.), Asst. Marketing Director (SUPERSHOPPER MAGAZINE), Director/Co-Host (Coast Entertainment Show), Radio Promotion Director (KBCH/KCRF), and Newspapers In Education/Circulation Sales Manager (STATESMAN JOURNAL NEWSPAPER). Bonnie has a depth of understanding that reaches further than just behind the scenes, and that thoroughness is demonstrated in the perseverance to correctly present each story with the wit and wisdom necessary to compel and captivate viewers.

View articles written by Bonnie King