By Staff
Market will host artisans and farmers alike every Saturday of the season
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
The first Saturday Market of the year was held Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, highlighted by a new location and revamped format. The market, which is hosted by Downtown Washington on the Waterfront, has relocated from last year’s spot in the Washington Civic Center’s main parking lot, to the waterfront on the west end of Stewart Parkway and will feature artisan’s and farmer’s stands every Saturday of the season.
In previous years, the market held spaces for local farmers each Saturday during the season and artisans one Saturday out of every month.
The change in format was because of confusion about when artisans were featured at the market, according to Diane Harris, office administrator for Downtown Washington on the Waterfront.
The change is welcome for Suzanne Lawrence, a local artisan that specializes in making beads and jewelry. Lawrence thinks the new format will give her more exposure and flexibility.
Lawrence believes the new format will also bring a wider variety of artisans at the market.
Harris agrees with Lawrence’s assessment.
The location of the market was moved as a result of feedback from last season’s vendors, according to Harris.
Carla Griekspoor, an artisan and founder of Smelly Bears, Wax Dipped Creations, originally started selling her work at the market three seasons ago. She thinks that the new location along Stewart Parkway will help expose the market to more people.
Her partner, Edward O’Neal, a wood bird carver and native of Ocracoke, thinks the change of location helps business.
Harris was impressed by the turnout of vendors at the market, even though the farming season isn’t quite in full swing.
The market features local producem plants flowers, arts and crafts.
Griekspoor is grateful for the opportunity to sell her artwork and network her business.
Lawrence thinks that Washington is the ideal town for such a market.
Harris believes that the need for the market is clear.