Saturday Market returns March 1 with new vendors, live bands

The Saturday Market is coming back to Salem this weekend with more vendors, entertainment and new participating organizations.

Nearly 200 vendors and organizations will be at the market throughout the season, including family-friendly entertainment acts, said Jenna Davis, community outreach manager of Salem Community Markets.

Businesses signed up to be at the market include bakeries, produce growers, a plant shop, organic coffee roasters, cheesecake bakers, candy sellers and a small distillery.

“Everything at the market is handmade, homemade or homegrown. Everything is created by the person you see at the market,” Davis said.

It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Northeast Summer Street and Northeast Marion Street until the end of October. 

Starting in May, Salem Community Market will also have weekday markets in several locations around town:

Mondays at Salem Health Hospital from 9:10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. starting May 5

Wednesdays at Chemeketa Community College from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. starting May 7

Thursdays at 1260 Edgewater St. N.E. from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m starting May 8

Several nonprofits will be present at the Saturday Market this year to promote their resources and host events for families, according to Davis.

Some vendors will be participating in the Emerging Artisans Program for middle and high school students to experience firsthand what it’s like to be vendors at a busy community market through mentorship, peer support and reduced booth fees.

All food vendors at the Saturday Market accept food stamps. “It’s a great chance to get fresh produce with your benefits,” Davis said.

The Saturday Market is pet-friendly but owners must use leashes. It is also “a great place to bring kids,” Davis said. Apart from traditional vendor booths, there will be family-friendly interactive events and live bands.

Salem Community Markets has up-to-date information about the Saturday Market on its website, including an interactive map of where each vendor will be located. “Of course, we encourage people to buy from our local vendors, but it’s just a great place for a social outing too. If the weather’s nice, just come out and bring your coffee, go for a walk. It’s just a great place to be,” Davis said. “It’s going to be really fun.”

Contact reporter Alan Cohen: [email protected].

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