Photo: Portland Saturday Market in the 1980s / Portland Saturday Market
The Portland Saturday Market enters its 51st year with an Oregon Heritage Tradition designation by the Oregon Heritage Commission.
The Portland Saturday Market is the 28th event in Oregon to be designed an Oregon Heritage Tradition. Other Oregon Heritage Traditions include the Great Oregon Steam-up in Brooks, Oregon State Fair, Medford’s Pear Blossom Festival, the Pendleton Round-Up, and the Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana.
“The designation recognizes those traditions that have been ongoing for 50 years or more and that add to the livability and identity of the state and has a public profile that distinguishes it from other events,” said Katie Henry, Oregon Heritage Commission Coordinator.
The event began in 1974 by artists Sheri Teasdale and Andrea Scharf. Their goal was to have an open air market in downtown Portland for creative makers to sell craft items and food that were all handmade and allow visitors and customers to meet and talk with the makers of the items they were purchasing. The market is run by its members as a mutual benefit corporation that is a nonprofit. The Market’s first location was in a parking lot offered by Bill Natio next to his business and in 1976 it moved to under the Burnside Bridge and then in 2006 found its permanent home in Waterfront Park.
The market has had over 400 members, generating an estimated $12 million in gross sales annually and attracting over 750,000 visitors annually. It serves as a central economic engine for the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood of Portland.
“The Portland Saturday Market Heritage Tradition designation means that not only have we as an organization left a lasting impression on the greater Portland community, but we will continue to do so for generations to come, placing a level of importance on the collective artistic growth of emerging and accomplished artisans and reflecting our mission of craftsmanship, innovation, and authenticity.” Said Camryn Dietrich, Member Services Coordinator for the Portland Saturday Market.
Commissioner Libby Provost of the Oregon Heritage Commission will be presenting the Heritage Tradition Designation to the Portland Saturday Market on Aug. 24 at 12:30 p.m. in a brief intermission between musical performances during regular Saturday Market events.
An Oregon Heritage Tradition must have been in continuous operation for more than 50 years, demonstrate a public profile and reputation that distinguishes it from more routine events, and add to the livability and identity of the state. The application process along with a list of designated Traditions is available at https://www.oregon.gov/oprd/OH/pages/heritage-designations.aspx.
The Oregon Heritage Commission coordinates efforts to solve statewide heritage issues through grants, education, and advocacy, and also promotes heritage tourism efforts. Learn more about the Commission and its efforts by visiting www.oregonheritage.org.
Source: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department