See what these markets have in common – and what makes them different – as these established Farmers Markets open for the season …
This mariachi band helps kick off opening day for the 2014 Lents International Farmers Market.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Both the Lents International Farmers Market and the Montavilla Farmers Market held their season opener on the same day – Sunday, June 1 – at their traditional outer East Portland locations. But, both had new Market Mangers on duty during opening day.
> Read about the 2014 Parkrose Farmers Market opening, in May this year: CLICK HERE.
Lents International Farmers Market
Lents International Farmers Market Interim Manager Abby Warren says she, and vendors like Peter Cha and Pahnhia Vue of Blooming Goodies, are looking forward to a good season.
Beautiful weather was inviting to folks in the Powellhurst-Gilbert, and Foster-Powell – and of course, in the Lents neighborhood – who attended opening day of their eighth full season.
Lents International Farmers Market Interim Manager Abby Warren welcomed East Portland News to the market.
She had started as a “Healthy Eating on a Budget” instructor at Zenger Farm, Warren said. “I also work for Portland Farmers Market right now. The confluence of being there and knowing how to run markets made me a good match. I’m also the secretary of the Oregon Farmers Market Association Board.”
Zenger Farm’s summer farm intern Leigh Brown vends fresh scallions to shopper Shawn Collins.
They’re opening with 28 vendors at the market, Warren said. “As the season goes on, we can squeeze in three more vendors. That will be fun as well.
“I am just amazed at all of our vendors,” Warren opined. “I just love the product mix and cultural diversity, the diversity in the foods. And, I love seeing how people are working together. It’s just an amazing market. Our hot food vendors are really wonderful, and feeding everyone. That’s great!”
Shoppers stop by to see what’s new and fresh at the Lents International Farmers Market.
Lents International Farmers Market
Sundays; 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
SE 92nd Avenue and SE Foster Road
See their website: CLICK HERE.
Montavilla Farmers Market
Shoppers browse the Montavilla Farmers Market on its opening day for the 2014 season.
Also opening on Sunday, June 1, was the Montavilla Farmers Market, as they headed into their eighth season.
“We have a few new faces, and many returning vendors,” said Montavilla Farm Market Manager Amanda Cross, who took over from long-time manager Gretchan Jackson.
Montavilla Farmers Market Manager Amanda Cross spends a moment with volunteers Laura Bartroff and Jodi Cullen.
“Last year, I was the market assistant here,” Cross said. “So, Gretchan had a full year to train me. And, I’ve also worked for three years at farmers markets in the Seattle area.”
She likes the Montavilla market, Cross, said. “We have everything fresh, local. We have a lot of good stuff down here. It’s great to see people in the neighborhood come and support the farmers who are bringing all the food here.”
Deb Strode buys fresh-picked Parkrose potatoes from Gabrielle Rossi of Rossi Farms, who planted, tended. and harvested the crop at her family’s century-old farm.
In addition to “meeting the producer”, this farmers market also has a community aspect to it, Cross told East Portland News. “Unlike at a grocery store, here you can take your time, be with family and friends, and enjoy the day.”
New this year is wood-fired pizzas, cashew milk, and Rossi Farms potatoes. “The big news is that tamales are back! That’s big news for the shoppers who missed them last year.”
Warren Kennedy clearly enjoys his Scoop Handmade Ice Cream.
They welcome new volunteers to help them set up and run the market. “Contact our Volunteer Coordinator through our website,” Cross suggested.
Montavilla Farmers Market
Sundays; 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
7600 Block of SE Stark St. (across from Mr. Plywood)
See their website: CLICK HERE
© 2014 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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