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Rebecca Meyers<\/strong> | Lifestyle editor<\/span><\/p>\n Despite the pouring rain, two farmers\u2019 markets have officially opened in downtown Independence. On Saturdays, you can now attend either one and find plants, produce, baked goods and handmade crafts, either behind Umpqua Bank or where the street meets Riverfront Park. <\/span><\/p>\n The first to open was the \u201coriginal\u201d Independence Farmers Market behind the bank, which served free coffee and cinnamon buns to celebrate the first day open for business. This market, which has been running since 1993 according to their website, offers a small variety of herbs, plants and flowers and also features a stand of affordable jewelry. <\/span><\/p>\n Near the river, the Riverview market offers a similar variety but has some unique features. The market manager Sue Barker explained that some vendors\u2019 attendance depends on the weather. For example, textile-selling booths are less likely to be present when their merchandise is in danger of getting drenched by the ever present Oregon rain. Fortunately, a few attend rain or shine, so you can count on finding farm fresh greens, homemade jams, baked goods and even a blown-glass display. <\/span><\/p>\n Joshua Vincent of Vincent Glass Works brings a portable workshop to the Riverview Market, where shoppers can observe the artwork in progress. Vincent is married to a recent Western graduate who studied art, and therefore encourages any and all art students at Western to continue their studies.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI would be proud to have (Western) students learning from me,\u201d Vincent stated.<\/span><\/p>\n The Riverview Market has been open for seven years now and has slowly been growing. <\/span><\/p>\n As for the question as to what one should do if they are interested in selling their wares, Barker has a simple answer: \u201cCome talk to me,\u201d she said. Barker\u2019s booth is easy to find \u2014 it\u2019s the one with all of the brochures about local events. <\/span><\/p>\n The markets are a great way to support local farmers and businesses, as well as a great way to shop outdoors and enjoy the sun once it finally appears. The markets are both open from April to November, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturdays. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n