Thursday, June 2, 2011
Spokane Market opens today
The Spokane Public Market, at Second Avenue and State Street in downtown Spokane, smells oddly like fresh blacktop today, on its first official day open, and sprinkles of sawdust still hang in the air. But the construction site's blaring sounds and interrupting smells aren't enough to drive away enthusiastic shoppers and the vendors who have taken up residence, officially open for business. "It's still very much a work in progress," says Chris Batten, of BR3 Development, with one hand on the phone and the other anxiously propped on his hip. [Photos by Amy Hunter]
A smattering of locally grown radishes, bouquets of lettuce, and thick bundles of asparagus line the homemade baskets and shelves inside the market square.
The new market space is bright and spacious, with old brick walls, exposed beams and interesting architectural details. The vendors, consciously or not, have teamed up to create unique sections of the market devoted to meats and cheeses, crafts, home goods, potted plants, and ready-to-eat delicacies.
Colorful hand-crafted soaps (mistakable for sweets) are available for sale and sliced to order.
Broad arches, freshly painted walls, and ample space for groups and conversation make the market a warm and inviting place to gather.
Elizabeth, daughter of Gary and Michele Welker, the owners of Mr. Magic's Cupcake Factory, offers marketgoers a sample of her family's popular Inside Out Peanut Butter Cupcake.
Smoked salmon is one of the many varieties of meats available at the market.
Artisan pastas, oils and vinegars are among the many products sold to and sampled by visitors at the market.
