The youngest visitor to the opening day at Lithia Artisans Market, Ashland, Oregon.
Lithia Artisans Market almost didn’t have an opening day. The forecast for Ashland, Oregon called for passing showers in the afternoon, and that prognostication came to pass. The Market opened at about a third capacity, but full of smiles, handshakes, and a decent turnout of tourists and locals alike hanging out listening to the music of singer-songwriter Paul Gerardi, and checking out the latest creations by the artisans of Calle Guanajuato.
Singer-songwriter Paul Gerardi at the Lithia Artisans Market opening weekend, downtown Ashland, Oregon.
At about 1:30 in the afternoon the sun gave way to gray clouds, and the sky opened up to shower the die-hard contingent with a warm spring rainstorm. The horizon to the west was foreboding, and not wanting to risk getting stuck in another deluge, most of the artisans scrambled to break down early and call it a day. From most accounts, those who participated in opening day did relatively well for themselves.
This reflection of a Market umbrella told the story. Opening weekend at the Lithia Artisans Market was wet.
Three unrelenting artisans decided to brave the wet and try to continue to make a day of it. This intrepid trio was made up of Sierra Gwin, Marcus Scott, and Kris Daly – a jewelry designer, stone bead maker, and quilter respectively. Hopes for cooperative weather dwindled, and by 4:00 it was obvious that the second wave of storms was on the horizon. By 4:30 Calle Guanajuato was clear of any evidence of an open air marketplace.
Sunday was a complete rain out. Better luck next week. Even in the wet, smiles abound.