There was little rain and even less sunshine as Saturday Market, the oldest weekly open-air crafts festival in the United States, began its 33rd season Saturday.
After nearly a week of sunny weather in Eugene, Saturday Market’s booths opened for business to gray skies but no showers, which led to many thankful vendors.
“We had fair sales,” said Chris Mini, the boy- friend of Barefoot Pony owner Ann Huntington. “But it hasn’t been as busy as a sunny opening day.”
Jeremiah Chavez, a market assistant for six years, said more than 5,000 people showed up for opening day.
“We had a really great first day and a really good turnout,” Chavez said. “The weather has brought more people in today. Everybody thought it was going to rain.”

For Debra Klang, who sells mostly jewelry, the weather and the economy made for a slow start.
“They are interested and are looking, but they aren’t willing to dish out any money,” said Klang, who has sold at Eugene’s Saturday Market and Portland’s Saturday Market for the past four years. “More sun would help my products — they sparkle.”
To ensure uniqueness and originality, vendors at the market must follow a fundamental rule that all products be sold by either the person who made them or by a family member.
“The market has a certain amount of turnover,” Mini said. “A lot of vendors make their living here. The competition keeps things from becoming stagnant.”

The first Eugene Saturday Market opened May 9, 1970. Founded by Lotte Streisinger, her market vision was created from plazas she saw in Central America and Europe.
Saturday Market is a non-profit organization. Market staff estimates that more than $2.5 million worth of local handcrafts and food items are sold annually during market events. Saturday Market, located at Eighth Avenue and Oak Street, is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., April through November.