McKenzie River Treasures Community Market Opening This Summer!

The new Saturday market is meant to help local businesses and showcase all the wonderful things the McKenzie Valley has to offer. The new “McKenzie River Treasures” market will take place on alternating Saturdays between Iron Forest, near Finn Rock, and the McKenzie Station Pub on McKenzie Station Pub on McKenzie Bridge.

Janice Myers of Iron Forest Brewing Company and Cindy and Mary Ellen from McKenzie Station Pub are leading the initiative, and Janice explains that the event’s name has a double meaning: It both invites people to discover local treasures to take home with them, but also pays homage to Christmas Treasures, an iconic shop in the river that was sadly lost to the Holiday Farm Fire last September.

The purpose of the initiative is to help locals get back on their feet, so no outside vendors will be accepted. Non-locals are, however, very welcome to visit the market and sample the delights on offer!

“We hope this can become an annual event that continues to support small businesses and folks on the river!” says Janice, explaining that local businesses and individuals can sign up for either venue or both and for as many dates as they like.

Normally there would be an upfront charge to set up a space in this type of event (also to make sure that people actually turn up on the day), but in this case the organizers have decided not to collect a fee, as they want this to be more profitable for everyone taking part. With that also comes the trust that people who sign up will also show up to make it a vibrant and wonderful community affair. They are also carefully managing the spaces so that there is no competition and overlap between vendors.

“By doing things this way we can ensure more folks have an opportunity to make money and get their name out into the community,” Janice explains.  

Some of the businesses that will be joining them in the various dates include:

• Honey Paddle
• Pretty Petals Florist
• Iron Forest Brewing Company
• Serendipity Coffee

So we’re already seeing a wonderful selection of unique offerings taking shape, but although spaces are filling up fast, there’s room for more!

“We are happy to host unique items, food, garden items, baked goods, handcrafted, and homemade items,” says Janice.

How does it work?

A 10x 10 space will be assigned to each vendor, and they are responsible for bringing their own canopy/umbrella, tables and chairs. Please note that there is no running water or electricity on site, so everyone will need to be pretty self-contained and self-sufficient in their setup.

When and Where?

10am – 3pm (with vendor setup starting at 8am)

• June 19 – McKenzie Station Pub
• July 10 – Iron Forest
• July 17 – McKenzie Station Pub
• August 14 – Iron Forest
• August 21 – McKenzie Station Pub
• September 11 – Iron Forest
• September 18 – McKenzie Station Pub

How do I sign up?

If you’re a local individual or business interested in taking part, please email Janice at ironforestoregon@gmail.com with the following information:

• Your Name:
• Business Name:
• Phone Number:
• Dates you are committing to:
• Description of the items you hope to sell (they will reach out if there is a conflict with another vendor – first come first serve basis):

Questions? Concerns? Feedback?

Feel free to reach out to Janice on the email above or call her on (541) 514-7899

“We’re looking forward to bringing back some fun and fellowship to the River!” says Janice.

I, for one, can’t wait to check out those local McKenzie treasures soon!