INCLUDES VIDEO | Outer East Portland folks rejoice! Check out this ‘Saturday Market’ located in the northern side of our area …
Vegetables, live plants, and more, are available every week at the new Rocky Butte Farmers Market.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Starting this year, residents in Parkrose, Madison South, Argay Terrace, and other northern outer East Portland neighborhoods have “their own” weekly outdoor marketplace.
It’s open every week this summer, and it’s called the Rocky Butte Farmers Market (RBFM).
Rocky Butte Farmers Market vendor Leilani Mroczkowski of Kasama Farm spends a moment with Market Manager Marcy Eichner.
“We were doing some pop-up markets here, before the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2019 – and, in 2021, we were here at this location once a month,” Market Manager Marcy Eichner pointed out.
“Now, this season, we are a weekly market,” Eichner told East Portland News at their June 11 market.
In total the RBFM has a pool of about 50 vendors. Each market day features between 30 and 40 of them, explained Eichner.
When you visit, say hello to (and buy a plant from) Harrison Schadel and Emily Jones of One Up Farm.
“Here, shoppers will find fresh produce, like greens, in season; and they’ll also find fresh fruit, stone fruit, berries,” Eichner went on. “And then we have prepared foods, including bakery items, freshly-roasted coffee, ready-to-eat meals from vendors like Senor Baba Halal Mexican Food – as well as crafters and artisans,” she added. “Fresh flowers, too.
Take a look around this farmers market:
“It’s important have a farmers market, because it’s a great way to bring the community together and to support the local food economy,” Eichner observed. “And, I love bringing together people who have a passion for creating their goods.
Showing and selling their craftwork are Arlene Nokes and Jeff Nokes of Vozee Leather and Dye.
“We have such a great spot here at the church,” Eichner mused. “Not only do we have music, but we also have a tent where people can eat and listen to the music in the shade.”
About their hosts, Mannahouse Church (formerly City Bible Church), she said, “We are so thankful to be working with the Mannahouse Church. They, themselves, have awesome community events here; we’re lucky be the ones chosen to be here on Saturdays.”
All this, and live music too! This week it was Sgt. Klavers’ Album Cover Band.
It takes at least a dozen of volunteers to put on the market every week, acknowledged Eichner. She encourages whose who are interested in volunteering to let them know via the “Volunteers” tab on their website, below.
Rocky Butte Farmers Market
- Every Saturday, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., through September 24
- Mannahouse Church parking lot: 9200 NE Fremont Street
- Website: CLICK HERE
© 2022 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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