Camouflaged behind a clutter of fantasy-like merchandise, Saturday Market vendor Raven Moon stands quietly, shaking something that looks like a ball of pâpier-maché rolled in crystal sparkles and covered in feathers.
He is a thin, tanned, animated sort of man with a salt-and-pepper beard and clad in a shirt the color of sunsets. His tiny, black eyes sparkle with excitement, adding to the surreal aura he exudes. There is something magical about him, something alive and bordering fantasia, and it is expressed in his work that he sells.
“I’m a rattle-maker,” he explains, presenting an example. There are some that are round with a wooden stick attached as a handle, but more are disguised in the forms of turtles, elephants, bullfrogs and other creatures Moon has created. Each one is adorned in color and decorated in gemstones, crystals, sparkles and feathers.
Moon’s booth, called Shape Shifters, is just one of the 280 booths belonging to Eugene’s Saturday Market.
Launched in 1970, the Eugene Saturday Market is the oldest community open-air market in the country, said Beth Little, the market’s manager. Food and live entertainment mix with more than 300 artisans. The market operates from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through November at East 8th Avenue and Oak Street, then moves indoors to the Lane County Fairgrounds the weekend before Thanksgiving, where it runs until Christmas Eve.
Given its history and local appeal, the market has become a popular choice for a weekend activity in Eugene. To newer residents, the market is sure to prove itself unique compared to other Saturday markets — a uniqueness that can only be fully understood by experience.
“The market has a really great ’70s culture,” Little said. “It’s a good way to touch base with the Eugene community.”
Little explained that the market is always striving to exhibit the characteristics of community, celebration and marketplace.
“We feature one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted items — no flea market or garage sale items — and locally grown produce, which adds directly to the economy,” she said.
“The market is a colorful place for a student on a Saturday,” she continued. “It’s really great for people-watching, to get lunch and hear music.”
A strong supporter of the local performing arts, the market guarantees culturally diverse music, be it a
performance on the main stage or a banjo player on a nearby sidewalk, according to the market Web site. Folk, jazz, blues and reggae musicians are just a few
of the various artists who can be heard on a typical
Saturday afternoon.
“It’s great music,” Moon smiles. “Sometimes during my breaks I go over to the main stage and dance.”
The market also features an International Food Court. Each of the 24 booths must meet strict guidelines to
ensure they are original and unique, according to
the Web site. French, Mexican, Indian and Thai cuisine can be found alongside lemonade stands and
cheesecake bakeries.
“I look forward to the Market every Saturday,” said Moon, who is nearing his 20th year of attendance.
“The Saturday Market epitomizes the best of Eugene. It’s a great place to see people and to socialize.
We all know each other and are very close. We can be very creative here.”
More information about the Eugene Saturday Market can be found at http://www.eugenesaturdaymarket.org.

Tiffany Jow is a freelance reporter for the Emerald.