Forty years ago this summer a small handful of local artists started gathering together once a month in Drake Park to share, display and sell their own handmade items. Now a wide variety of artists, craftspeople, musicians and food vendors meet weekly in Downtown Bend across from the Public Library on Saturdays from 10am–4pm thru Labor Day.

 

This little group has evolved into The Central Oregon Saturday Market, a non-profit organization that continues to advertise, promote and provide an open-air marketplace for local talent to gather at an affordable price.  

Many people with various talents have established their starts at The Central Oregon Saturday Market then go on to build their own prosperous local businesses. Other artists are trying to supplement their incomes or help pay for their hobbies so they can continue to make and share their passion.

It is a market for professional artisans, as well as beginners aspiring to develop their skills while displaying and selling their products.

They support the Bend Senior High School Orchestra, having a yearly holiday show in the school’s gyms in November benefiting the whole Music Department.

They also contribute to the community by supporting and giving exposure to dozens of other local non-profits from Chimp’s Inc. to The Boys and Girls Club.

Everyone at the Central Oregon Saturday Market always pull together and are more than willing to lend a hand and help each other in any way we can, like one big growing family says Janice Allen of Central Oregon Saturday Market.

“The primary goals of all Central Oregon Saturday Market decisions and rules have always been to support the Where the Maker is the Seller philosophy and to contribute to our community,” adds Allen.

If you have any questions or would like to join in celebrating 40 years of promoting local talent at the largest gathering of local artists and crafters East of the Cascades call 541-420-9015.

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