Lents International Farmers Market celebrates its move ‘back home’

INCLUDES CELEBRATORY VIDEO | Take a look at the joyous celebration as the Lents International Farmers Market ‘came home’ to SE 92nd Avenue in Lents Town Center for the remainder of this season. Even more fun: the Lents Cultural Fair was there …

Shoppers find lots of fresh veggies at the Lents International Farmers Market, now back in its permanent location.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After numerous changes of location, the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) celebrated moving back to its now-permanent home on Sunday, September 24th, in the parking lot of Zoiglhaus Brewing Company on SE 92nd Avenue, across the street from Portland Fire & Rescue Lents Station 11.

Since its beginnings in 2006, when its name changed from Lents Farmers Market to Lents International Farmers Market, it’s had a nomadic existence. CLICK HERE to see our story from when it officially was starting – then located at the then vacant corner of SE Foster Road and 92^nd Avenue in what was called “Crossroad Plaza”.

Lents neighbor Bill McKinley purchases fresh plums from Holly Trejo of Kiyokawa Family Orchards in beautiful Parkdale, Oregon.

With construction springing up in Lents Town Center, the LIFM commenced moving from one location to another, until it finally landed on the paved lot on SE 92nd Avenue, two blocks north of SE Foster Road in the Zoiglhaus’ parking lot, now known as The Zed.

Watch the ribbon cutting ceremony, signaling the grand reopening of the LIFM in their newly refinished space:

“We’re celebrating moving back into this newly-refinished market space on 92nd Avenue!” exclaimed Portland Farmers Market Executive Director Katy Kolker, just before the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“We opened our 18th LIFM season in a temporary location on 91st Avenue along Foster Road, while this ‘public plaza’ was being constructed specifically for our market,” Kolker told East Portland News.

LIFM vendors and staffers are ready to cut the ceremonial ribbon, just after the opening bell signaled that this market is “back home”.

“It’s good to be here, and to be open in our permanent location,” Kolker reflected.

“It’s beautiful; it has everything that we need for a successful market. That includes a beautiful space, with lots of options for expansion. We also have indoor, covered space – with food vendors – where people can eat indoors, if the weather is inclement.”

These shoppers find great fresh produce at the Bonifacio Garden stand.

A good season gets even better
This has been a good season for the LIFM, Kolker said. “We have some new vendors who are excited to be here this season; and we appreciate having the farmers and vendors who been with us ever since this market opened in 2006.

“Since we’ve had to be in various temporary locations, that impacted our market a little bit,” Kolker acknowledged. “But now, here at our permanent location, where people can easily find us, this is a comfortable space for people can hang out.”

Every week, the LIFM features:

+ A wide selection of ethnic vendors and farmers and produce
+ Live music
+ A shopper loyalty program
+ Community Group Booth
+ Market Scouts activities for kids
+ Participation in the Double-Up Food Bucks program

Lents Cultural Fair returns
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the LIFM also hosted the Lents Cultural Fair at the site that day.

That was presented by the Lents Grown Business Association (LGBA), and sponsored by Prosper Portland and Venture Portland.

Representing the Lents Grown Business Association, here are Kimi Richardson and Keith Richardson, proprietors of Refuge Coffeehouse in Lents Town Center

“We are once again holding the Lents Cultural Fair here today, highlighting the many cultures here in our neighborhood,” explained LGBA President Keith Richardson. “The Fair features live music, dance performances, gift card giveaways, and community activities.

Lucky Lion dancers from Portland Lee’s Association kick off the Lents Cultural Fair.

“And, the first hundred people at the Fair when it starts at 11 a.m. are receiving a $5 token to spend at the Lents International Farmers Market!”

Lents International Farmers Market

Every Sunday through November 19
9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
A unique multicultural marketplace, hosting a dozen local farmers and food producers with products representing diverse cultures and nationalities. Shoppers can find fresh produce and flowers, handmade tamales, Indigenous-caught salmon, locally-crafted Hmong sausage, locally-roasted coffee, baked goods, and other small-batch food.
It’s in The ZED parking lot on SE 92nd Avenue, two blocks north of Foster Road at SE Reedway Street – across from PF&R Fire Station 11.
CLICK HERE to see their webpage for more information.

>> On our Front Page: It’s Tatyana Puzur of Happy Moment Farm showing their sweet small tomatoes. Also check out her Russian pastries, called Piroshkis!

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