Tie dyed clothes, handwoven baskets and even Polaroid photos with a goat were on offer at the first Saturday Market at the Goods.
The new market, run in the lot outside The Goods Sustainable Grocery on the second and fourth Saturdays in June, July and August, gathers an assembly of craftspeople and other experiences. Organizer Michele Vasquez said in May that each month will feature a special theme on one of its days — June 14 was marked by pride flags.
Nala Johnson was painting children’s faces during the market. She said that the wonder in a kid’s face when they see what “magical” look she’s given them is exciting. Many asked for rainbows or Spider-Man — one asked for Alex from Minecraft.
Being a part of any vendor market, Johnson said, is an opportunity to see people and get out in the sun. The pride theme of this week’s market, she said, only further served to bring out happy people and good company.
Cheri Johnson runs Arachne’s Web, where she sells tie-dyed and weaved clothing, accessories and home decor. She said it had been exciting to see the warm and enthusiastic reception to a new market on the busy Kenai Peninsula crafting scene.
Carolyn Jennings, owner of Weavin and Things, was only a couple booths down from Johnson. She was busy on Saturday weaving baskets — which she makes by hand in different designs and from different materials. Baskets are living art, something that can be used and something that will last for a long time, she said.
At one end of the market was a small petting zoo with rabbits, a chicken and a goat. Victoria Montague, Autumn Montague and Genesis Peterson were corralling both the animals on display and the children eager to interact with them. The trio said it was fun to see kids smile and also make money — including by selling Polaroid pics with a goat.
“Everybody loves a goat, so why don’t you just take a picture with him?”
For more information, find “Saturday Market at The Goods” on Facebook.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
Cheri Johnson runs Arachne’s Web during Saturday Market at the Goods in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
People paint rocks during Saturday Market at the Goods in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Carolyn Jennings, of Weavin and Things, crafts baskets during Saturday Market at the Goods in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Kids pet goats during Saturday Market at the Goods in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Children visit a petting zoo during Saturday Market at the Goods in Soldotna, Alaska, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Nala Johnson hoists a velociraptor carrying a progress flag during the Saturday Market at the Goods in Soldotna, Saturday, June 14. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
