The second of three Christmas songs comes this week.  Portland Saturday Market is one of those places in Portland that almost everyone knows about and enjoys at least some aspect of.  It’s funny -- I think I enjoy the ambiance of Saturday Market just as much as I enjoy the merchandise sold there.  Anyway, this week’s song, “Saturday Market (It's Christmastime In Portland Again),” pays tribute to Portland’s favorite stop for unique, local, arty holiday gifts.  The setting for this song is a grand, festive city -- I could imagine this song as the start of the holiday movie (or musical) based on people who live in Portland.  The schmaltzy lead vocal is intended to be reminiscent of a smooth Bing Crosby or Perry Como or your holiday crooner of choice.  Enjoy!

(Incidentally, the line about “we might even see some snow” is clearly out of date as of today!)

Lyrics:

Come and celebrate! 

It’s Christmastime in Portland again, so come out and celebrate,

The Christmas ships are making their trips, the Macy*s Santa has a long wait.

It’s Christmastime in Portland again, we might even see some snow,

The Made in Oregon sign is looking fine with its beaming bright red nose.

But there’s one thing that keeps Portland weird

Especially at this time of year:

A place that’s full of holiday cheer,

And you can also get an elephant ear:

Saturday Market!

It’s Christmastime in Portland again, and the shopping’s going strong.

The economy’s down but we don’t frown, we just hum a Christmas song.

It’s Christmastime in Portland again, and we’re looking for that special gifty:

Something that’s fine and top of the line, with a local flavor that’s nifty.

There’s only one place you can find things like that,

A clever gift made with skill and craft.

A gift that’ll make your loved ones say “Ah!”

A gift with that certain je ne sais quoi.

Saturday Market!

It’s Christmastime in Portland again, and you know where to go,

To find something unique, or something oblique for your crazy Uncle Joe.

It’s Christmastime in Portland again, and there’s only one place to be.

Though it will move next year, it’s still so dear, and oh-so-very funky.

So remember this when your heart isn’t in it.

And you need a Festival of the Last Minute:

There’s a place that brings holiday joy back,

And gets your jolly back on track --

Saturday Market!

Come to Saturday Market!