‘Parkrose Marketplace’ off to a good start

INCLUDES VIDEO If you missed their grand opening in May, check out this lively outer East Portland outdoor marketplace in Parkrose when it next appears on June 26 and 27 …

It’s the first day of the very first Parkrose Marketplace – on May 15 – and folks are loving it.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Several Parkrose Stepping Up! pop-up food pantries helped folks back when they were needed most, during the fall and winter months of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. CLICK HERE to read about one of those events.

As the pandemic waned and mild spring weather arrived, organizer Terry Murphy came up with a new concept – which is now realized at an under-utilized area of downtown Parkrose. He calls it the Parkrose Marketplace – and it was held the first time on May 15 and 16.

“Working hand-in-hand with the Historic Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative District, We’re starting a community-building platform,” explained Murphy. “It’s for people in business; and, for crafters who want to start or grow a business,” he told East Portland News.

Welcoming folks to the first-ever Parkrose Marketplace is organizer Terry Murphy.

Under their canopy, Historic Parkrose Community Outreach Coordinator Annette Stanhope, and Executive Director Seile Tekle, show their new Parkrose Business Map.

“Also in this space, we’re also introducing vendors from far and wide to guests visiting the Parkrose Marketplace,” Murphy added. “Those who visit will find a wide variety of vendors – many of them ‘BIPOC’ [Black, Indigenous, People of Color] crafters and small business entrepreneurs – who bring their diverse offerings here, unlike what may be found in any other marketplace!”

They’re enjoying the Marketplace, say Parkrose neighbors Read Lamb, who holds Everett, and Colleen Miezejeski.

Providing a delightful soundtrack for the day’s Marketplace, Gyorgy Brezovay musically entertains.

Hungry? At their May Marketplace, Melissa Buechler grills red-hots at her stand, Haute Dawgs.

Indeed, among the 61 vendors, shoppers found products ranging from prepared foods and locally-roasted coffee beans, to hand-made merchandise – ranging from Native American arts to jewelry, printed textiles to ceramics, all on display.

“We want a place in Parkrose where families can come to shop, listen to music, and just have a beautiful day being outside, and happy,” Murphy said.

The next Parkrose Marketplace returns June 26 and 27
On Saturday and Sunday, June 26-27, this unique, outdoor bazaar will be open in downtown Parkrose from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Shop from as many as 60 home-based vendors – including indigenous artists and crafters; and enjoy local food, coffee, and other amenities.

NEW: Enjoy a cold adult beverage in Marketplace Outdoor Pub, featuring Catman Cellars and Level Beer.

There may still be a few vendor spaces available; if interested, contact Terry Murphy at terrypdx1@gmail.com.

You’ll find the Parkrose Marketplace off NE Sandy Boulevard, south along closed-off NE 108th Avenue, and spilling into in the parking behind 10810 NE Sandy Boulevard. For more information, see their Facebook page: CLICK HERE.

Comments are closed.