Live music, mouthwatering food and more than 40 vendors proudly displaying their one-of-a-kind artwork: This is a festival you won’t want to miss.

Syracuse will welcome the fifth annual Salt Market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at 499 S. Warren St. for a $2 entrance fee. And while the location changes from year to year, Salt Market co-director Courtney Rile said the feeling of the festival is always the same: “fun and funky.”

“Even if you’re not looking for anything, it’s a great place to hang out and walk around,” Rile said.

Local favorites like Strong Hearts Cafe, Recess Coffee House & Roastery and Roji Tea Lounge will be open for attendees to sample a vegan pizza or nurse a Nutella Cappuccino while browsing artwork and listening to music from five live bands playing throughout the afternoon.

Regional artists will offer everything from pottery and handmade soaps to clothing. This year, the Salt Market will welcome 18 new vendors, including Salt Works, an artisan furniture company. The remaining vendors are no strangers to the market. Some are back for their fourth year, like Marisa Krol of Interstellar Love Craft. Others have been attending even longer. Krol makes metal jewelry that she describes as “urban chic meets industrial rustic.”

“This is my favorite show of the year,” Krol said. “The atmosphere is just so cozy, warm and welcoming.”

In addition to showcasing the talents of regional artists, the Salt Market brings attention to Syracuse neighborhoods, like the East and South sides, which otherwise may not see much foot traffic. Vacant storefronts are transformed for the festival and tend to be used afterward as well. Much of the West Side of Syracuse has been successfully renovated largely thanks to the Salt Market, which has taken place in West Syracuse in the past.

This year, vendors will be spread across two spaces: an old boat dealer shop and an old bank. Referred to as “the boat space and the bank space,” Rile said the creative ways in which these areas have been transformed is an incredible sight in itself. Not only does this restoration add to downtown Syracuse’s urban shopping scene, it also reflects the character of the creative minds that inhabit the Syracuse community.

The first 50 attendees this Saturday will receive a free limited edition Salt Market tote bag. Whether you use this bag to store a new hand-painted sign or some vegan cupcakes to bring back to your dorm, one thing is certain: By simply being there, you have helped revive Syracuse’s community.

Published on October 17, 2013 at 12:22 am

Contact Olivia: okrupski@syr.edu