Farmers market reopens in Montavilla

With their lot sold, just where the Montavilla Farmers Market would turn up this year was in question. Here’s the answer …

Shoppers flock to the opening day of the Montavilla Farmers Market in outer East Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Since the first day the Montavilla Farmers Market opened back in July of 2007 [read about the their inaugural grand opening: CLICK HERE], it’s been a success.

But, after its season ended last year, the market’s fate was in question. News emerged that the property on which the market has been located was now for sale.

Gabrielle Hailstone, Joe McClain, and Trevor Forbess of Fresh Blends NW tell Market Manager Amanda Cross about the new seasoning powders, tea blends, and trail mixes they offer.

“As things worked out, and it all came together within the last couple weeks, we will definitely be here for this season, guaranteed,” smiled Market Manager Amanda Cross at their 2018 season opener on May 5.

Three words described activity at the market that day, she exclaimed: “Pent up demand!”

Cross went on to tell East Portland News, “I’m so glad to see so many people who say they’re so excited to see that we’re open, and still in the place we were founded!”

Dining alfresco at the market, with his parents nearby, is Emmett Weintraub.

Many of the vendors’ stalls that day were wiped clean of inventory, although several said they’d brought more than they’d expected to sell. For example, Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels sold out their inventory of 1,000 freshly made “rolls-with-a-hole” by 12:45 p.m. that afternoon.

Although opening day featured 30 vendors, Cross said the number of sellers offering fresh produce, fruits, and prepared foods will be growing to many as 45 vendors at the peak of the season. “Even today, shoppers are finding so many different kinds of foods, pretty much everything one needs for their shopping basket for a week, here at the market.”

East Tabor neighbor Emilie Wyllie says she’s happy the market is once again open, as she buys from Tayne Reeve of Fiddlehead Farm in Corbett.

The market’s “SNAP Match” program continues this year for people with Oregon Trail Cards, offering them up to a $10 match for purchases at the market. “It’s our way of helping local families get a little extra fresh, local food on their tables,” Cross explained.

“This market continues to be a success because people enjoy the sense of community, and seeing their neighbors shopping and say hello to friends; which goes so well together with eating fresh local foods,” mused Cross.

Scooping up another dish of vegan, dairy-free ice cream is Tal Caspi of Aviv restaurant and catering.

Montavilla Farmers Market Facts

Debit and EBT cards accepted to purchase market tokens
Open every Sunday until October 28
10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the Market
7600 Block of SE Stark Street, just west of the Academy Theater, across the street from Mr. Plywood.

For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE.

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