NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg Wednesday Market is operating with a smaller footprint this season after city officials declined to renew the permit allowing the closure of College Street, citing public safety concerns about emergency vehicle access.
The Newberg-Dundee Police Department raised the issue, according to Scot Siegel, community development director for the City of Newberg. College Street serves as the most direct route between the public safety complex on Second Street — which houses both the police and fire departments — and the north side of Newberg. NDPD Chief of Police Jeff Kosmicki said the foot traffic volume on the busy intersections of E 1st St. and N College and E 2nd St. and N College also concerned him.
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“College is the most direct route between the Police and Fire departments and the north side of Newberg for emergency responders,” Siegel said. “That is why the market is no longer operating in that street.”
The market, which moved to the corner of 2nd and College in 2020, had previously closed College Street as part of its setup in prior years. This season, it operates from two gravel lots: the main lot at the corner of 2nd and College behind Lemon & Olive Mediterranean Restaurant and Ella Blues Salon, and a smaller lot across the street between Pulp & Circumstance and the Blue Trout Gallery. Two food vendors — Kona Ice and Mythical Donuts — occupy parking spots on flanking sections of College and Second streets.
The shift roughly halved the market’s capacity. Chehalem Parks and Recreation District manages the market through Erin Harrington, its childcare coordinator and markets manager. Previously, the market accommodated about 60 vendor spots; this season, the baseline capacity is approximately 30, though Harrington has used creative layout adjustments to fit 37 vendors, according to Kat Ricker, CPRD’s public information officer.
The two lots are organized by vendor type. The main gravel lot hosts the bulk of the market, while the smaller lot is reserved for nonprofits and youth vendors. This season’s youth vendor is a middle school baker. The market introduced its first-ever youth vendor last year.
The transition has not been without friction. Vendors accustomed to the smooth pavement of the street setup initially pushed back on moving to a gravel surface, which raises dust and can complicate setup and foot traffic, Ricker said. But Harrington has reported that vendors are adjusting.
“Change is hard, but they are starting to embrace it,” Ricker said. “One advantage of a smaller footprint is that we are closer together, and you can feel the buzz. It is hopping and busy, and people can see that it’s a full market, which is attractive to people who are checking it out.”
Libby Boyes, operations director of the Newberg Downtown Coalition, said public feedback has been generally positive, though the changes have generated questions from the community.
“We understand that change can be difficult and people wish that the street was closed, but we’ve been really happy with the vendor turnout and variety,” she said.
Siegel said the city is open to exploring alternative downtown locations with market organizers.
“From a community development perspective, there are likely other locations in the downtown that are more expansive than the current site, which could possibly work better for the market and not pose the same safety concerns for emergency responders,” he said.
Kosmicki said he’s recommending N Washington Street between 1st Street and 2nd Street, Washington Street between E Hancock St. and E 1st Street, or the large parking lots near Ixtapa Restaurant east of N Washington St. between E Hancock St. and E 1st Street.
Boyes confirmed that discussions about the market’s 2027 configuration and possible relocation are underway, though planning remains in early stages.
“We are still in the beginning stages of this year’s market, but are working to discuss options for what next year will look like and possible location options for 2027,” she said.
The Newberg Wednesday Market runs Wednesdays from early May through the first week of September, 4 to 8 p.m. The market may be canceled in the event of extreme weather. Follow CPRD and NDC’s social media profiles to stay informed.
Disclosure: Newsberg editor Branden Andersen previously operated as the executive director and board president of the Newberg Downtown Coalition.
