Neither rain nor shine seemed to make a difference on opening day of the Oakdale Morning Market on Saturday, May 4.
Close to 70 vendors filled North Third Avenue, much to the delight of a sea of shoppers.
The first of the 22-week Saturday morning events was open for patrons from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., as live music was played local favorite Alex Lucero.
An 80 percent chance of rain, however, was not a deterrent for the large crowd which gathered. Some perhaps came early to beat the rain, while others came mid-market and endured it. All in all, weather proved to not be a factor for this popular local event.
The Morning Market offered a variety of produce, multiple food items, home goods and artisan items with something for everyone.
A pop-up business turned brick-and-mortar, Refuge Coffee opened their patio doors allowing the community to get a sneak peek of what’s to come. Much to the surprise and shock of owners, Kara McGaffee and Kirsten Rodrigues, the downtown coffee shop was sold out of coffee by 9:15 a.m. Saturday morning.
“As newcomers to Third Avenue, the market has been a wonderful way to meet the community, share the progress of our build out and express the vision of what we hope Refuge will be for the community,” McGaffee said.
A project of Love Oakdale, the Oakdale Morning Market’s draw to downtown Third Avenue took shoppers into the brick-and-mortar shops, as well as the vendors set up on the street.
“The Morning Market has been awesome for our business and just not on Saturdays,” Roberts Ferry Gourmet owner, Kim West shared.
As co-owner of Roberts Ferry Gourmet with her husband Nic, the Third Avenue merchant shared the market has benefitted their business on multiple fronts.
“It’s done more than just boost our sales,” West stated. “It has revitalized our downtown area. It gives folks a fantastic reason to come to Third Avenue, discover the charms and reconnect with all that our vibrant downtown has to offer. That feeling encourages our community to return on non-market days.”
As the owners of a North Third shop, the West’s have embraced the market from its early inception in 2023. The husband-wife team can be seen behind the counter ringing up mimosa sales, pouring an ice-cold beer or crafting one of their legendary milkshakes.
For those looking for a snack with a gourmet twist, the couple’s one-of-a-kind shop offers a variety of goodies for the healthy snacker, as well as the one with a bit of a sweet tooth.
“One of our favorite aspects of the Morning Market is the incredible ‘vibe’ it brings,” West shared. “It’s truly uplifting to look out of our windows and see what used to be a muddy mess now bursting with life.”
The “muddy mess” which was once the North Third Avenue construction zone created challenges for many of the downtown businesses. With that now a year behind them, West further expanded on their gratitude for Love Oakdale and the addition of the Morning Market.
“Sneaking out to walk among the community fills us with joy and gratitude for the Love Oakdale team who created an experience where everyone can unite and celebrate one another,” West concluded.
Each week, market organizers aim to bring a variety of vendors offering fresh flowers, fresh food, artisan crafts, as well as activities for kids, live music and the unique feature, the Oakdale Youth Entrepreneurs (OYE!), showcasing the area’s youngest artists and crafters.
The market will continue through the end of September. Information on upcoming vendors and featured talent can be found at oakdalemorningmarket.com.
