See how shoppers are being delighted, twice a month, while shopping at this outer East Portland year-around market …
After a pelting rainstorm subsides, shoppers return to the Montavilla Farmers Market’s “Winter Market”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While most farmers markets close for the season in late November, the Montavilla Farmers Market (MFM) continues their different tradition of hosting a “Winter Market” at their same site along SE Stark Street.
Even with the wind and rain at the time it opened on the morning of January 8, the lot soon filled with shoppers as the sun broke through before noon.
It’s not a “truck market”, as it was in their first Winter Market several years ago; instead, these days, it is set up and operates just like the regular season market days.
New vendor Sami Gross from Woven Oats shows off her products to MFM Operations Manager Allie Neri.
“One difference is that our MTM Winter Market operates only on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, instead of every Sunday,” pointed out MFM Operations Manager Allie Neri.
“In the wintertime, our shoppers will find between 40 and 60 vendors, depending on the day and the weather; so, it’s actually not much smaller than our regular-season markets,” Neri told East Portland News. “We do have some winter vegetable crops, and apples; and there is a bit less fresh produce than there would be in the summer season.
Samantha Allen from Sullivan’s Gulch neighborhood shops with Katie Coppoletta with Fiddlehead Farm located in Corbett.
“In the winter, we have more craft vendors, with products like handmade soaps, ponchos, candles – those things that we don’t typically have in the summer season,” said Neri. “We still do have meats, eggs, and hot food available, t hough.”
Even their most wintry markets are supported, bringing from 1,500 to 2,000 shoppers each market day. “This is because we have such a strong community presence and acceptance,” acknowledged Neri. “This is a very neighborhood-friendly place.”
Yes, “well behaved” dogs are welcome at the Montavilla Farmers Market – along with their owners, of course!
Next Winter Market on January 22
Their “Winter Stock-up Market” is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Shop for seasonal root and fresh vegetables and fruits, baked goods, sustainably-raised meats and eggs, flowers, plant starts, and specialty foods.
It’s located on the gravel lot in the 7700 block of SE Stark Street – across the street from Mr. Plywood. CLICK HERE to visit their website. Of course, you’ll find all of their market days listed in the East Portland News Community Calendar.
© 2023 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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