Saturday Market opens for 2016

Jake Waldner stood behind a table full of delicious-looking homemade baked goods and homegrown vegetables Saturday morning at the first-of-the-season Saturday Market on Town Square.

There were fewer vendors than sometimes show up, largely because most farmers don't have produce yet, vendors said, adding that it is usual for smaller numbers to show up for the first Saturday Market. The numbers increase as the weeks go on.

But, Waldner said, because at his farm they cover vegetables after they are planted, they can start the growing season earlier. Broccoli, little potatoes, cauliflower and a variety of other vegetables were already for sale.

"It's been a tremendous growing season," he said. "It's been great for vegetables."

The consummate salesman, Waldner offered people a slice of the homemade banana bread. Many decided to buy a loaf and take it home after sampling it.

"We just love being out here to share some fresh vegetables," he said.

Business was good on the first week of the market, he said.

This is the second year his colony has been selling at Saturday Market, and he plans on coming back every year.

Others vendors were also full of vigor as they talked about their products.

The bright sun glistened on the necklaces, keychains and earrings that Leon Lodge had handcrafted.

"That's what you want," he said, laughing. "You want your products to stand out."

He's been a regular at Saturday Market for eight or nine years, he said.

It all started when he needed to raise funds to send his daughter on a People to People trip. He had always made jewelry and decided this was the time to start selling it.

After that trip was paid for, his daughter had an opportunity to go to Europe on a music program, so, he kept selling his jewelry.

Now he wouldn't miss Saturday Market for anything. He sells at Fort Belknap and "if we have an opportunity to go to craft shows, we go," his daughter Mersades Lodge added.

Mersades sells crocheted items at her father's booth.

After seeing her father sell for a few years, she joined in with him.

Veronica Tsosie of Havre was selling her handcrafted jewelry at her table. There were belt buckles, key chains and earrings. There will be more in future weeks, she said.

She has been selling at Saturday Market for several years, she said.

Saturday Market is special, she said. It's great to show off her work and sell some products, but the best part is getting out and meeting new people and talking to old friends.

"I'm a people person," she said. "I just love it."