Find out how their change in location has helped this outer East Portland market to be even more successful …
With lots of free parking nearby, this new location for the Lents International Farmers Market proved to be a boon for customers and vendors alike.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After announcing, at the start of the 2016 season, that the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) was going to move away from the original location at which it started in 1999 – the corner of SE 92nd Avenue and Foster Road – some wondered if the this outdoor marketplace would be able to survive.
“Actually, the season was great,” commented LIFM Market Manager Amber Holland, during the last day of the season on October 30 – at its “new” location, along SE Foster Road about two blocks west of their former site.
Sulina Lao, of Sulina’s Garden, spends a moment with LIFM Market Manager Amber Holland.
“Being away from its original corner didn’t hurt at all; in fact, we think it may have helped us, because we have very good visibility on Foster Road, and very accessible parking in the lot right behind the market,” Holland told East Portland News.
The number of customers coming through the market was up over past years, she said. “And, vendors reported an increase in sales!”
Josselyn Eby, demonstrating her cooking techniques on behalf of Zenger Farm, becomes very popular with shoppers and vendors alike, as she gives away samples of her Filipino Squash Chowder.
In the Kids Area, Dalaza Lopez decorates a mini-pumpkin.
Planning for 2016 season happened a little later than normal, due to the management transition of LIFM from Zenger Farm to Portland Farmers Market – but the market still had a good mix of vendors during the season, Holland reported.
“And, looking forward to 2017, 100% of our vendors indicated that they do want to come back next year; you can’t get any better than that,” Holland added.
Even on a cold, windblown day, N&N Amaro Produce from Gales Creek does a brisk business.
Kristopher Logan with Old Soul Farm in Gresham shows his offering of peppers.
“The best part for me – this being my first season with this market – was just being a part of this community,” said Holland. “We really enjoyed the ‘Lentils’ very much. It’s a gem of a market, in a community that really understands the importance of a farmers market.”
They won’t be open again until next year, but you can stay in touch with them through their web page: CLICK HERE to open it.
> On our Front Page: Llew Whipps of Zenger Farm provides farm-fresh produce from “just up the road”.
© 2016 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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