There are a few things that I love more about the spring and summer months than going to the farmer’s market. Shopping around for fresh, local produce and handmade concoctions, all while supporting the local economy, is a great way to spend the better part of your day. I am frequently amazed at the talent that saturates each one I’ve been to. From homemade kombucha to hand-rolled pasta, it’s the little things like this that give our day some extra character.
My wife and I often bring our young children along for our market outings as well. It’s a great way to get them out of the house and socialize, all while seeing your little one taking part in some low-stakes commerce. I have to admit, watching my 2-year-old hand over $20 to buy some parsnips and strawberries is unmatched. And for those who have a baby, fingers crossed they get a great nap in the carrier or stroller while you get some shopping done.
A unique market celebrating its 17th year is the St. John’s Bizarre & Parade, and you don’t want to miss this one. Unlike other traditional farmers’ markets, which tend to run from spring to early fall, this one lasts only a single day. This family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, May 9th and will bring together crafts, food, and live music for everyone to enjoy. It is free for all and will be jam-packed with entertainment.
The event kicks off with the St. John’s Parade at noon, and then spectators and participants can enjoy the bizarre that follows. A fun fact is that the first parade for this event took place in 1963. For those who don’t know, St. John’s is a historically close-knit community (both of my parents grew up in that neighborhood), so seeing events such as this parade continue to carry on is beautiful.
After the parade, a portion of the business district in St. John’s is closed to traffic so everyone can enjoy the bizarre freely. Dozens of juried craft vendors (more than 200 last year), two music stages, a beer garden, food, and a sea of games and activities will be available.
The St. Johns Bizarre & Parade is a labor of love, put on by local volunteers. Furthermore, local businesses and residents devote their own time and money to making this happen year after year. If you can attend, you will quickly see the care and detail that is put into this event. This community gathering is not a quick money grab, but rather a place for people to come together with their loved ones and neighbors and celebrate our community.
This is a great option for bringing your children and teens, as the event is totally free and you can come and go as you please.
With two musical stages at this event, around 20 musical acts will perform. Live, outdoor music is always a lot of fun because you can have the option to watch the band perform, or to use them as some background music while you do some shopping.
A main goal of the St. Johns Bizarre & Parade is to celebrate the unique character of the area. I must say, they pull this off every year. There are a good number of vendors to check out, and one of the things they pride themselves on is a nice balance among them. There is almost nothing worse than going to a market, and there is just a row of vendors all selling essentially the same thing. The St. Johns Bizarre & Parade ensures that they do not make that mistake.
The vendors themselves also look forward to taking part in this event every year. Christa Katz at The Wild Optimist said she feels like the entire St. Johns neighborhood comes out for this event. I personally couldn’t agree more with that sentiment. It’s a neighborhood event that welcomes everyone, whether you’re from St. Johns or not.
I love farmers’ markets. They are a personal joy of mine, and I love going to them with my wife and kids. That said, the St. Johns Bizarre & Parade is a wonderful event to add to the rotation, as it aligns well with my admiration for a traditional market. This one-day event is not to be missed and will be enjoyed by everyone in the family.
St. John’s is a neighborhood that holds a uniquely special place in my heart. I am glad to see this celebration of the old neighborhood still endure.
Alex is a devoted husband and father born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is a professional artist, author, and advisor for both Yale and Harvard University’s arts departments. His books, ‘Selling Leonardo: The Art World’s Greatest Scandal’ and ‘Holy Ghost: Decoding Leonardo da Vinci’s Final Painting’ are available wherever books are sold.