Montavilla’s Market opens for Thanksgiving

Although their every-Sunday Montavilla Farmers Markets are over for the season, they’ll be open for a Thanksgiving Market on November 20, and at intervals during the winter, too …

Even on a blustery, winter-like day in outer East Portland, shoppers come to the last Montavilla Farmers Market of the season.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

At the end of October, the wildly-success Montavilla Farmers Market held its final regular Sunday shopping session of the season.

Although it was a blustery day, many people braved the weather for the last market on October 30 to check out the still-wide selection of fresh vegetables, fruits, and prepared foods.

Montavilla Farmers Market retiring Board Chair (he’ll continuing volunteering with their Marketing Committee) Evan Schneider spends a moment with Market Manager Amanda Cross, and vendor Drew Mosher from Crooked Furrow Farm in Corvallis. “Come see me at the Winter Stock-up Markets,” Mosher says.

“It’s true; we’re wrapping up our tenth regular season,” Market Manager Amanda Cross Cross told East Portland News. “But, it’s important for people to know we’ll be back on November 20 for a special pre-Thanksgiving-Day market.”

Cross, now finishing her fourth season as manager, said that the market had had a terrific season overall. “On our biggest ‘regular’ Sunday we saw 1,900 adults come through the market – but during the Montavilla Street Fair, we counted about 3,000 people, which was really awesome,” Cross said.

Amiee Blevins of SweetHeart Bakeshop announces that, although they’re buying a bakery in The Dalles, they’ll still keep selling their award-winning pastries at the Montavilla Market.

The large number of shoppers there each week shows there is still strong demand for this market, Cross pointed out. “Our customer counts keep growing every year, as people keep telling each other what a great place this is.”

The market, like all outdoor events, suffered in October – one of the dampest Octobers in history. “Even in the rain, people came out to shop with our vendors,” Cross said. “We’re here for anyone in the community who wants to buy their fresh produce directly from the growers.”

And, the market’s vendors told her they, too, had a great season. “Our vendors are already looking forward being with us next year,” Cross commented.

Always having a great display of vegetables are Chris Simmods and Gopal Thomas from Simplicity Farms, in Southwest Portland on Cornelius Pass Road.

Montavilla Thanksgiving Farmers Market on November 20
Although their regular season is over, visit between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for their special Thanksgiving market! They’re featuring locally raised, grown & created foods and crafts.

You’ll also shop vendors providing fresh baked bread & pastries and other foods – rain or shine.

Montavilla Winter Stock-up Markets
Then, on December 18, January 15, and February 12, they’re hosting special two-hour “truck markets”, at which vendors sell off of the back of their trucks and vans, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

All these market events are held in the 7600 Block of SE Stark Street, just west of the Academy Theater, and across the street from Mr. Plywood. For more information, to learn about volunteer opportunities, to see their “Dog Friendly” policy, or to check out their list of vendors, see their website: CLICK HERE.

© 2016 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

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