Weather doesn’t dampen Port Gamble market fun

POULSBO — A drizzly day greeted the first day of the first-ever Port Gamble Sunday Market, but mittened hands and cups of cocoa kept vendors and visitors in a sunny disposition.

The market’s April 6 opening drew a small but steady stream of shoppers who mulled over products like hand-dyed textiles, gardening starts, jewelry, soaps and scented candles under the backdrop of the 1800s circa town and sweeping waterfront views.

“I think it’s a great start,” commented Mike Endress of Poulsbo, while he and his wife Carla looked through the rows of healthy green plants offered by Kelly Hagood of Deer Meadow Farm in Hansville.

The couple was on their way to church when they spotted the market and decided to pop in after services to check it out.

“We work on Saturdays and we never get to the Saturday markets, so this is wonderful,” said Carla Endress.

Nearly 30 vendors were supposed to set up shop near the Port Gamble cemetery Sunday, however, vendors said some showed up, saw the weather and the marshy conditions and left. But the dozen or so that stayed were doing brisk business.

Crepes maker Heather Pluska was one of the larger beneficiaries of the last-minute cancellations. The other two food vendors showed up, but then left without setting up shop.

She said she didn’t know why they decided to leave, but said she was happy she stayed as market-goers waited in line for her handmade delights.

“I’m not complaining,” she said with a laugh as she served up a steaming crepe filled with chocolate and bananas.

After a year without open-air markets, visitors to Port Gamble’s inaugural gathering said they were happy to have one more choice for their weekend plans.

“I love any kind of market,” commented Lynn Nicklin. The Kingstonite couldn’t resist taking home a handmade basket at a booth selling furniture and accessories made from recycled wood. “I think this market is going to be great. It’s too cold today but it’s a lovely location and the weather will get better.”

“My daughter read about it in the newspaper and told me about it and I said, ‘Yahoo,’” added Linda Giesel of Poulsbo, while looking through rows of handmade jewelry with her 5-year-old grandson Jacob Brown.

The Port Gamble Sunday Market takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays through October in the field between Highway 104 and the Port Gamble Cemetery.

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