Rosewood greets neighbors with ‘Holiday Market’

Find out why this outer East Portland Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative district held this welcoming event, and how it was received …

After being closed public events during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Rosewood Center, located in the Centennial neighborhood, opens its doors for a “Holiday Market” supporting local businesses.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The Rosewood Center, home of the Rosewood Initiative Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative (NPI) district, held four-hour “Holiday Market” on Saturday afternoon, December 11.

Shoppers were delighted once again to be able to enjoy a public activity in the building, as they swirled around the dozen vendors set up inside. Cordoned off at the east end of the building, a COVID-19 vaccine clinic was also taking place.

Shoppers meet craft and food vendors at the Rosewood Holiday Market.

“Events like these help strengthen the community,” says Rosewood Initiative Executive Director Sabrina Wilson.

“Welcome to our ‘Holiday Market’ here at Rosewood,” the NPI’s Executive Director Sabrina Wilson greeted us.

“After our ‘Rosewood Saturdays Summer Celebrations’, we had a lot of requests to do a Holiday version of that public event,” Wilson told East Portland News.

Asked about their weekly September markets, Wilson smiled, “They went really well; we had a great turnout.”

Cynthia Lee and Jessica Phan of Chinitas Candy have their candy and sweet beverages on display.

Showing her Native American arts is Martha Keogh of Circle of Life, she’s affiliated with the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.

“It was good because we had many community members come out, week after week, as well as many of our community partners,” Wilson continued. “It was really a diverse event, and very representative of the Rosewood community.”

The dark skies and a heavy rainstorm outside added to the warm feeling of this indoor market – as folks dashed in, and browsed among the vendors.

Displaying their freshly-baked pastries are families from the Portland Refugee Support Group.

About this December market, she explained, “What we’re doing here is highlighting our local businesses at this marketplace; and, at the same time, we’re welcoming our community to come together in a fun and safe environment.”

Wilson was pleased seeing community members picking up food boxes prepared for them.

Rosewood Initiative volunteer Abdul Izt carries out another food box for distribution to a family in need.

“The best thing that is happening here is that everyone around our city can, today, support Rosewood business owners and entrepreneur – and those who want vaccine shots can get them, and people needing food leave knowing their family will be fed,” Wilson observed.

>> Learn more about the ongoing work of the Rosewood Initiative by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

Neighbors find Holiday gifts, made by local people, for sale during the Rosewood Holiday Market.

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