"Here's a tune about when things aren't going so great," a singer-guitarist at the Corvallis Saturday Farmers' Market said, introducing her song. "You've got to keep the faith."

As the storm clouds rolled in and rock salt-sized hail pelted browsers on opening day at the market, hundreds of hardy souls stayed. Shoppers sought temporary cover under vendors' awnings, chatting and smiling away.

And, as they kept the faith, the sun poked through the clouds and offered an hour or more of prime midday people watching, conversation and, of course, fresh produce, bread, jams and prepared foods.

Heather Johnson sold flowers - alstroemerias, to be exact - and was happy to offer her meager cover to those seeking refuge. As they waited out a spring pelting, Johnson peddled blossoms and made small talk.

"My mother and sister were founding vendors at the Corvallis Farmers' Market," Johnson said.

Johnson, from Sweet Home, said she enjoys coming to the market just to shop during most years. She doesn't always open a stand at this market and will be heading to the Sweet Home Farmers' Market after a few weeks.

As the clouds temporarily parted, cover-seekers went back onto the streets. Johnson stayed at her small booth, stepping from one foot to the other to keep warm, but at least she was a few alstroemerias lighter.

Shoppers went on to the organic produce and breads. Some stopped for lunch and, true to the nature of Corvallis residents, laughed off the next wave of rain and hail.