Take a look at the last day of its 2022 season, still going strong in Lents Town Center …
As the Lents International Farmers Market opens for its last day of the 2022 season, it begins to fill with shoppers.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although its location changed once again this year – from The Zed parking lot, to along SE Foster Road, straddling 91st Avenue – the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) continued to thrive this year.
From its opening day on June 5, to the closing day on November 20, shoppers made their way to this outdoor marketplace – originally founded by community volunteers back in 2006.
Serving Three Sisters Tacos in the “Slow Food” Kids Activity booth is Beth Gates.
“We had a great season this year,” Market Manager Ada Harris exclaimed exuberantly.
“The LIFM saw a great turnout, both in terms of our vendors and shoppers, here at our new location,” Harris told East Portland News. “This has what made for a really great summer and season!”
Each week, around ten vendors were at the LIFM – patronized by between 700 and 900 shoppers each market day.
At the Standiknov Farm stand, shoppers stock up on freshly-picked vegetables, and their famous honey products.
“The best thing about this year’s market is all of the local products,” Harris remarked. “We have so many locally-grown vegetables and fruits from which shoppers could choose.”
A highlight of the summer came on September 4, as shoppers were also able to enjoy the co-located second annual Lents Grown Cultural Celebration. “We partnered with the Lents Grown Business Association, which brought in musicians and performers,” Harris recalled.
This shopper chooses apples, fresh from the Kiyokawa Orchards.
Concerning the coming year, Harris said all of their vendors have said they do intend to return in June for their next season.
Asked about the market’s 2023 location, Harris responded, “To be determined! We will be in the Lents neighborhood, that’s for sure!”
© 2022 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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