After experiencing open-air markets in Central America in the late 1960s, Lotte Streisinger, wife of former University biology Professor George Streisinger, proposed a similar type of market in Eugene. Her idea became a reality in 1970 when the city hosted the first annual Saturday Market. The market will enter its 34th season Saturday.
The market, which originally featured 29 vendors crammed into an alley, now sprawls across the blocks surrounding Eighth Avenue and Oak Street, with 200 vendors and 22 food booths.
“Opening day is always special,” promotions manager Kim Still said, adding that she expects 6,000 to 10,000 people on Saturday.
The market features various handmade crafts, unique foods and entertainment all day. Vendors sell everything from jewelry, clothing, soap and pottery to musical instruments such as the didgeridoo and services such as tarot readings.
Still said anyone who wants to listen to music and experience something unique to Eugene should come.
“It’s such a Eugene thing,” Still said. “People from all sections of society come.”
Vendor Bill Allord sold leather products at the market in the 70s, and after a break, he returned in 1995 to sell venetian glass tiles, photo frames and wall mirrors at his Shining Star Mosaic booth.
“It’s a great meeting place for people,” Allord said.
Glenn Kreiss, who has sold fused glass at his glassdance booth since 1997, said he enjoys the no-pressure environment of working only one day per week and meeting his customers in person instead of selling in a gallery.
“I like to connect with people who buy my glass,” said Kreiss, whose product is similar to stained glass but is fused in several layers without seams between the panes. “It’s a festive environment — and there’s low overhead.”
Kreiss added he enjoys the food and his vendor neighbors.
“We’ve all become friends,” he said. “We cry on each others’ shoulders when we’ve had a bad day and celebrate when we’ve had a good day.”
Kreiss said there are good deals, but that buyers must know several things: what they are looking for, and to take time to examine
the quality.
“There’s things that look very good but may fall apart,” he said.
Still said that while the market opens at 10 a.m., people should come early to walk around and get a sense of what is being sold. The market is open until 5 p.m. every Saturday through Nov. 15.