Opening Day: Montavilla Farmers Market’s every-Sunday season

INCLUDES VIDEO – See how the Montavilla Farmers Market kicked off the “regular” season …

As the first outer East Portland to do so – the Montavilla Farmers Market – opens for its 2021 season, folks were ready to go shopping.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Judging by the number of shoppers darting from vendor to vendor at the Montavilla Farmers Market (MFM) when it opened on Sunday, May 2, it appeared that they’ll have a stronger season than ever.

Here’s a video “taste” of the first Montavilla Farmers Market of 2021

Although rain was in the forecast, instead sunshine warmed the area as the market got underway at 10:00 a.m. with the ceremonial ringing of the “opening bell” – signaling that the first regular nonprofit MFM market for 2021 was open for business.

In the Crooked Furrow Farms stand, putting out produce is Kaarina Nyna.

“We’re all so excited because today, we are opening our 15th regular season!” exclaimed MFM Market Manager Lisa Hall.

“This means that we’re now a weekly market – through November 21 – instead of just twice-a-month as we were all winter,” Hall told East Portland News.

MFM Market Manager Lisa Hall spends a moment with the market’s Board President, Scott Morris.

“We had surprisingly good customer ‘counts’ during the winter; the community is really supportive this market in an amazing way,” Hall commented. “Our customers showed up all during the winter months – even braving wind and rain – and that, in turn, has made all of our vendors really happy about our success.”

Neighbor Heidi Peterson says she’s a MTM “OS” (Original Shopper); here, she’s buying greens from Samantha Oribe from Fiddlehead Farms.

That day, the market introduced some new vendors, presenting shoppers with a total of 46 booths to visit. “Over the next few weeks, people can expect to see a lot of plant starts – in addition to farmers selling fresh spring greens, spring onions, some garlic scapes (long, slender flower stems that grow from the top of hardneck garlic), snap peas, and snow peas,” Hall pointed out.

Those looking for baked goods weren’t disappointed, either; with booths by bakeries – ranging from Shoofly Vegan Bakery, to Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels, to Sebastiano’s Sicilian Deli & Bakery, and the always-popular Tabor Bread bakery stand.

“The summer, you’ll see tomatoes, berries, and stone fruit – all the favorite summer produce will be here, as we’ll peak out at 56 vendors,” said Hall.

The fragrant, tantalizing smell of food prepared by Chef Sai David of Rangoon Bistro Burmese Cuisine, suffused the air nearby.

To starting off the season, in addition to the many prepared food sellers, the opening MFM had four hot-food vendors from which to choose. “Sadly, we still can’t permit on-site dining; these dishes are for ‘to go’ only at this time,” Hall informed.

Shoppers find a good variety and plenty of vendors at the Montavilla Farmers Market’s opening day.

Visit the Montavilla Farmers Market

COVID-19 Restrictions: Must wear masks; number of shoppers limited at gate
Open: Sundays, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., through November 21.
Location: The gravel lot in the 7700 block of SE Stark Street – across the street from Mr. Plywood.
Website: CLICK HERE

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