Get outdoors for Bizarre Bazaar at River Market
It’s finally, officially spring and the River Market is getting ready for the outdoors events and activities the warmer weather brings.
The Farmers Market itself doesn’t open until May 11, but visitors can get a little preview of shopping in the pavilions at the annual Bizarre Bazaar.
Diana Long, director of River Market Operations, says, “It’s just a market. There’s not any produce, but people are ready to get outside and looking forward to the Farmers Market coming up.”
This is the second year for the bazaar, a collection of local artists and craftspeople selling a wide variety of items.
For instance, John Kirkpatrick will be there with his handmade wood carvings. Katie McBride sells handmade purses and pillow cases. Jennifer Duckworth offers infused olive oils and vinegars, while Bob Wayne brings his sunflower oil and honey. Look also for pottery, jewelry, decor, crystals and plants. There will be about 50 vendors in all.
Last year’s event was scheduled for a Saturday, but bad weather led them to reschedule for Sunday. This year, they’re going back to the original Saturday afternoon plan.
Because it’s on a Saturday, the Ottenheimer Market Hall will be open for anyone who needs a drink or lunch while they’re out shopping.
Organizers began the event, Long says, “just to kick off the spring event season. It’s just a fun little reason for people to get down here and hopefully enjoy the River Market and maybe, if it’s a pretty day, get out into the park and enjoy downtown.”
Beyond the shopping, there’s plenty to enjoy in the area, with Riverfront Park, the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, the Museum of Discovery, the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center and the Arkansas River Trail all right there.
Long says, “If it’s a nice day, it will be a great reason to come down, enjoy the District, enjoy the park, do some shopping — a good way to spend a Saturday.”