People turned out in droves for the much-anticipated first
Sunday Market of the year. I wish the colors of the day had been brighter, but let's face it, this is coastal Oregon, and we're lucky it was dry. Tomorrow the rain starts again, and it's supposed to rain for at least the next four days. The market has been growing, and it was nice to see it so alive and filled with vendors, buyers, and browsers.
Three blocks of 12th Street are closed to vehicles, and the town turns out to see friends, buy produce, and explore hand-made goods from jewelry to paintings to quilts. The vendors don't have to be local, and some drive quite a distance to take part. They do have to commit to being here every Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. from opening week until around Labor Day. Everything must be hand made or home grown by the sellers. This insures a personal quality that keeps the event fresh, friendly, and full of integrity. There's always live music, food stands, and tables with umbrellas and chairs in the adjacent Wells Fargo Bank parking lot. The market begins one short block from the river. A couple of blocks inland, the booths spill over into the currently-vacant former Safeway parking lot.
Today I purchased fresh rhubarb (to eat) and
arnica lotion, an amazing product for the relief of aching muscles that I wouldn't be without after finding it at the Sunday Market a few years ago. Everyone who tries it loves it! It was a wonderful opening day, and a good time was had by all. If you're in the vicinity and looking for something to do on Sunday, do come on over!
Is there a weekly market in your town? I'd like to know!
With bright blue skies, cold air, and wind chill (but no snow or rain), I took a look at how some of the downtown businesses had decorated for Christmas.
Here's the tree inside Wells Fargo Bank.
The Astoria High School Band Boosters were raising funds playing music in the shelter of the Liberty Theatre's entranceway.
Gold baubles decorate a wreath in the office of the Liberty Theatre.
The street light outside of Lucy's Books on 12th Street.
T. Paul's Urban Cafe. By the way, the living trees with lights are a year-around feature I always enjoy.
Celebrate a Finnish Christmas at Finn Ware. (You knew we had to have a Finnish store with so many Finns as founding fathers and mothers.)
I especially like Santa's old-world look and gentle expression at Bellisima Salon.
Outside of Adagio, a horse masquerades as a reindeer.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
