Looks like their second season will be a “barn buster” – read this, and see what you’ll find – including their new barn …
Thanks to material donors – and volunteer labor provided by Stark Construction Services – this barn is now finished, in time for the opening of Montavilla Farmer’s Market’s second season.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Coming off their premiere season last year, the Montavilla Farmer’s Market is set to open on June 8.
This season, Montavilla’s market will feature its own landmark – a custom built barn.
Roger Stark, Jesse Stark, and Greg Anderson with Stark Construction Services here work to complete a custom-built barn, on the farmer’s market site.
Builders host ‘barn-raising’
“We’re volunteering our time to help out here at the Montavilla Farmer’s Market, by building the storage barn,” said Jesse Stark, between hammering nails. “They need a place to store the tents and shares on site.”
His wife, Tonia Stark, president of Stark Construction Services, is also the volunteer coordinator for the market. “We pulled together a [building] crew and some volunteers to get the site ready for another season.”
The crew built the barn from scratch. “Mr. Plywood donated about $500 worth of materials,” Stark said, noting that that New Seasons Markets also donated $1,000 toward the project, and that neighboring Flying Pie Pizzeria fed the volunteers who were preening the lot.
Nancy Yates works with Tonia Stark to clean up the Montavilla Farmers Market lot.
Grooming the grounds
“We’re also cleaning up the lot for opening day,” Stark added. “We’re weeding, and filling in the gravel and empty spots, so there won’t be puddles when it rains.”
Laboring with her was volunteer Nancy Yates. “I live nearby, and thought it was time for me to get out and help. I love the community aspect of having a farmer’s market here.”
Vendors on parade
Folks who go to visit the market will find a wide variety of vendors waiting for them. Scheduled to be there
Produce:
- Groundwork Organics, Junction City OR
- Deep Roots Farms, Albany OR
- Maryhill Orchards, Goldendale WA
- Kiyokawa Family Orchards, Parkdale OR
- Tamiyasu Orchards, Hood River OR
- Baird Family Orchards, Dundee OR
- Herr’s Family Farm, Troutdale OR
- Spellbound Farm, Portland OR
- PD Farms, Elgin OR
- Liepold Farms, Boring OR
Flower/Plant:
- Herr’s Family Farm, Troutdale OR
- American-Asian Quality Farm, Oregon City OR
- Maple Valley Nursery, Dayton OR
- Old House Dahlias, Portland OR (in Montavilla)
Bakery:
- Fleur de Lis Bakery, Portland OR
- Gabriels Bakery, Portland OR
On-Premise Ready-To-Eat Foods:
- Asian American Food-Chinese
- Hacienda-Tamales
- Wild Wild West BBQ
- Buns on the Run
Beverages:
- Cellar Door Coffee Roasters
- Liquid Sunshine
Processed Foods:
- Crabapple Company, Beaverton OR
- Must Love Dogs, Portland OR
Opening day entertainment
Organizers of the market say they’ll have live entertainment every Sunday. This week, Southern Skies – a folk music duo from Olympia, Washington – will entertain. And, a certified Master Gardener will be on hand to demonstrate sustainable growing techniques.
Kicking off the season on Sunday, June 8, the market will be open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Sunday, October 5, except on July 6th, Independence Day weekend. The market takes place on the 7600 block of SE Stark Street in the gravel lot across from Mr. Plywood.
For more information, CLICK HERE to see their web site!
© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News