The Sequim Open Aire Market was conceived in 1995 by a small group of community members who were involved in the Sequim 2000 and Fields of Flowers organizations. The original concept was to offer the community an additional reason to go downtown on Saturdays. The group wanted to provide a venue for locally grown produce, flowers, plants, as well as local arts and crafts. In addition, this would be a gathering place for local people to come together to shop, visit, enjoy music by local musicians and good food from local vendors. Their vision of the Market was to be a major factor in Sequim community lifestyle and boosting community spirit.
Organizational guidelines were developed to ensure that the arts and crafts offered were of the highest quality standards. A jury committee was established to review each vendor's product line. The guidelines required that all products offered for sale be grown or made in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley. Also, arts and crafts products would be handmade and original productions.
The original Market opened behind Jean's Deli on South 2nd Avenue in May, 1996. Since then, the Market has moved onto Cedar Street, between Seal and 2nd Avenue. A Market Manager was hired to provide a central focus and management point, and has grown to over 75 members. Our membership area includes all of the Olympic Peninsula. Go to our Vendor Page to browse our list of members and their products.
2005 was the Market's Ten-Year Anniversary, and the celebration went on all season. Opening day was Saturday, May 21st, with the Mayor and City Council presenting a proclamation naming that day "Open Aire Market Day". Anniversary Cake was served all attending, and the Mayor rang the Market's Opening Bell.
The Market produced its first art poster, offered for sale throughout the season at the Market booth each Saturday. The image is from an original watercolor painting, "Market Basket", by well-known local artist (and long-time Market member) Sally Cays. Proceeds from the sale of the poster helped fund the Market's efforts in promoting its objectives and its members.
The 2006 season saw an increase in membership and an expanding variety of items for sale. Especially important to the growth of the Market was the food court, providing walk-around-food, from hot dogs to crepes, from burritos to barbeque. Musicians from around the peninsula entertain shoppers and local fans with a wide range of musical types.