After celebrating its 50th anniversary in June, the Portland Saturday Market was officially declared an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Heritage Commission.
“It’s a great honor,” said Emma Cilley, marketing manager for the Portland Saturday Market. “It means we recognize our longevity and that Portland recognizes that we are truly preserving the heritage of the market.”
The market was started in 1974 by artists Sheri Teasdale and Andrea Scharf, who wanted to create an open-air venue in downtown Portland where artisans could sell handmade products and food. Today, the market is home to over 400 members and attracts more than 750,000 visitors annually, according to a press release from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
The award recognizes businesses that have been in existence for 50 years or more and “contribute to the state’s quality of life and identity,” said Katie Henry, coordinator of the Oregon Heritage Commission, in the press release.
The recognition places the market alongside 28 other major Oregon events, including the Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana, the Oregon State Fair and the Pendleton Round-Up.
“We’re a cornerstone of downtown and this will drive tourism,” Cilley said. “We’re supporting local artisans. It’s really just saying, ‘Hey, we’ve been here for 50 years, we’re going to be here for another 50 years, we’re going to support downtown and we’re going to support artists in Portland.'”
The Portland Saturday Market will celebrate the official designation at 12:30 p.m. Saturday with a presentation by Commissioner Libby Provost of the Oregon Heritage Commission.
“The whole year is a celebration,” Cilley said. “We have events every month. … So there is this special celebration, but also the whole year is a celebration for us.”
Festive events included Mother’s Day flower planting, giveaways, an upcoming birthday party at Skidmore Fountain, and other holiday events later in the year.
“I think that in the future, especially after the COVID pandemic, we’re really going to get back on our feet. We’re really hoping to revitalize the old town and put a lot of effort into connecting the businesses in the area and bringing the community back to downtown,” Cilley said.
Visit the Portland Saturday Market on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 2 SW Naito Parkway.
— Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and culture. Reach her at 503-221-4327; [email protected] or @chiara_profenna
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