On days with fair weather, an odd phenomenon occurs in the pastures and vacant parking lots of the island. The unmistakable jangle of handmade jewelry and storied antiques creates a kind of music that blends with the soft strumming of a guitar and the voices of merchandisers in the summer heat. This scene is not just a transcribed memory, nor is it a one-time happening that was dutifully recorded. It is the sights and sounds of the vineyards open markets.
Across the Vineyard, this scene repeats itself, week after week throughout the summer. Many visitors are drawn to these unique events, such as the West Tisbury Farmer’s Market, the Chilmark Flea market and the Oak Bluffs open Market as their popularity have grown steadily throughout the past many years. The existence of these windows into island life begs the question, why open markets? What could possibly be the draw of milling about in the summer heat among piles of Knick knacks, treasures and delectable? The answer depends on who you talk to, but all agree on one thing; it is worth it.
For many customers and vendors, the sale is less important than the chatter that permeates the ocean of white pop-up tents. Co-Mingling between the sellers and the buyers is as much a part of the experience as the exchange of merchandise, and a unique one at that. The island visitor would be hard pressed to find out the life story of the person who makes their jewelry or grows their carrots anywhere else.
In a world increasingly broken into separate parts and the advent of mass production, some people have only a vague idea of where their possessions come from. Here, the existence of the outdoor market allows visitors to experience a connection to the Vineyard through the people who make and sell their products in open markets, and to understand how their goods are produced. You will not see a sticker bearing the word “Made in China,” or the label on food as coming from ‘Sunny California’. The recent surge in outdoor market popularity demonstrates that the people, locals and visitors alike, desire more of this connection in their lives, especially after the pandemic.
Connection is not the only thing that matters to visitors. Bargain hunting has always been a big part of the open market. Luckily, the price of operating a booth at an open market is considerably less than renting or buying a storefront and these savings for the seller transfer to savings for the buyer.
In the end, visitors are not only looking for a shopping experience but also an event to attend and THAT… is what you will find across the island at these open markets.
The West Tisbury Farmers Market at Grange Hall, West Tisbury is open between 9:00 and 12:00 noon, Wednesdays and Saturdays. – The Island’s oldest and largest farmers market features the best local seasonal produce, as well as homemade bread, savory condiments, fresh honey, fruit jams, beautiful flowers, artisan chocolates, sweet desserts, and unique gifts. All this and more can be found at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury. View the list of vendors at wtfmarket.org.
