Attendance sparse, but hopes high at SLC outdoor market

The final People's Market of the season at the International Peace Gardens in Jordan Park featured brilliant blue skies, predictably chilly temperatures, and ... well, not a lot of customers.

But that hardly seemed to bother most of the vendors who showed up Sunday for one last chance to sell their fresh food, homemade arts and crafts and hand-stitched clothes. Most seemed to agree the market has grown into a legitimate success at the close of its fourth year, thanks to its familial environment and a decidedly more low-key atmosphere than the one at the hugely popular Downtown Farmer's Market, not far away in Pioneer Park.

"It's such a cool little market," said Bountiful's Gigi Romney, who sold her hand-made stuffed animals at the market for the first time this year. "It's such a grass-roots thing ... and it has more of a family vibe."

That was a familiar refrain among vendors, whose ranks have swelled to about 60 on an average weekend, according to organizer Kyle LaMalfa.

That only about two dozen had set up for the season finale probably had more to do with the cool weather, and LaMalfa said he expects the market will return next year -- albeit probably without the growth that has accompanied its first four years. The market grew from a community yard sale and began with just five vendors.

"Believe it or not, I'd like to see us stabilize," he said. "It's the right size for the park, right now."

Certainly, there's

Even amid the chill Sunday, dogs caught frisbees on the run, kids played with hula hoops and musicians strummed gentle tunes from a spot on the lawn in the middle of the park. Several of the booths were run by kids, who can rent a space for just $1 a week under the market's Young Entrepreneurs program.

Tooele's Larry Proctor said the market has provided a good outlet for his "out of control hobby" of growing vegetables, and enjoys the wide variety of people who populate it. Not far from his corner stall, customers could shop at either Chinese or Argentine food carts, in addition to booths where vendors sell fresh bread, wooden cutting boards and knit scarves and blankets.

"It's expanding, and I hope it continues," said Salt Lake City's Debby Chavez, who has sold handcrafted tile mosaics at the market for three years. "I'm somewhat surprised at how many people this summer said they didn't know this was here -- and they live in the neighborhood."

That hints at perhaps the market's biggest challenge.

Organizer Rosalyn Moreno of Midvale, who also sells crocheted hats at the market, said one key to strengthening the market will be making more residents aware that it exists. Then, she figures, they will see all of the same things in it that she does: the casual atmosphere, the sense of community, and the friendship th»t develops among regulars.

"I love this market," she said.

mcl@sltrib.com