Montavilla ‘locals’ ramp up for the Holidays

See the success of the Montavilla ‘Locals Market’. And, discover what’s coming up this weekend in Montavilla …

Shoppers mingle with vendors at this one-day-only “Locals Market”, hosted by the Montavilla Food Cooperative.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, the folks supporting the Montavilla Food Cooperative (MFC) hosted a “Locals Market”, turning the Wix Insurance Agency office into a Holiday Bazaar.

“Being as it’s ‘Small Business Saturday’, we decided to host the market, instead of holding a Holiday fundraiser,” said MFC Project Manager Colby Clipston on November 25.

MFC Project Manager Colby Clipston serves beverage samples during “Locals Market” day.

“So, instead of peddling items that we typical sell to raise money for the co-op, we’ve invited local vendors – many of whom who have also been involved with the Montavilla Farmers Market – and local craft people and members of the Montavilla East Tabor business Association to this ‘pop-up’ market,” Clipston told East Portland News. “By showcasing the 27 venders here today, we’re presenting products and companies we’d love to feature in our co-op store, once we open.”

Pitching their PB Wow Gourmet Peanut Cooking Sauce, made in outer East Portland, are Jolinn Kampstra and entrepreneur Brian Herigstad.

Nerves jangled during the Holidays? Relieving stress by providing chair massages is Beth Lopez from Pacific North Wellness.

The day also celebrated MFC passing the milestone of attracting 600 member-owners, and at the day’s market hoped to sign up as many as 50 more – putting the co-op within arms-reach of forming a site-selection committee, he said.

It was elbow-to-elbow in the market, but everyone seemed in a good mood. “We think the turnout, both of vendors and shoppers, is great,” observed Clipston. “We’re all glad to see that neighbors are excited to take part in our ‘Locals Only’ market today!”

For more information about the Montavilla Food Cooperative, or to join, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

MFC charter member-owner Luby Wind of Caffe Lubina, sells her hand-made, delicious baked goods.

More Holiday fun in Montavilla

The Montavilla-East Tabor Business Association presents annual “Frosty Fest” events, including:

Holiday Window Decorating Contest – Vote for your favorite Holiday decorated window on their website. If you are a Montavilla Business owner and you want to participate in the contest, please complete and submit the form found here.
Merry Montavilla Soireé – On December 8, from 5:00 p.m. until close, check out Downtown Montavilla for discounts and specials on drinking, shopping, tasting, and Holiday merriment! In the spirit of the season, please bring canned food to donate to the United Methodist Church food pantry.
Santa Saturday – On December 9 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., meet and greet Jolly St. Nick at Vino Veritas, 7835 SE Stark Street – where you can create crafts, drink hot cocoa, and tell Santa what you’d like for the Holidays.
Free Holiday Screening – On December 17, take the family to a free screening of a Holiday-themed movie at the Academy Theater, 7818 SE Stark Street.

For more information, see the official Montavilla-East Tabor Business Association website: CLICK HERE.

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