Rosewood ‘Saturday Celebrations’ resume

Don’t fret if you missed their first outdoor marketplace this summer! Find out when you can again be part of this fun event in July and August …

In the Hazelwood the first Rosewood Saturday Celebration of the season is underway.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

At their new location, exactly one mile west along SE Stark Street from their long-tome location, the Rosewood Initiative Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative (Rosewood) held their first of three Rosewood Saturday Celebrations on Saturday, June 24.

If you haven’t attended a Rosewood Saturday Celebration in the past, it’s a mixture of an outdoor bazaar, a food court, and a family party zone – complete with a DJ playing music.

Welcoming attendees are Rosewood’s Economic Development Coordinator Kaylee Sales, Health Equity Coordinator Neema Yangi, Development Director Madalyn Bach, Communications Manager Merrill Liddicoat, and Director of Programs Tsering Sherpa.

“We’re starting up our third annual Rosewood Saturday Celebration ‘Makers Market and Resource Fair’, informed the Rosewood Initiative Director of Programs, Tsering Sherpa.

“The theme for our markets – the one today, and the others to come in July and August –economic development and opportunity; it’s a ‘supportive market’,” Sherpa told East Portland News. “That is, this market is part of the economic development we support.”

Spinning lively tunes is DJ Soulryda of Stumptown DJs.

In their parking lot were twenty booths, representing a combination of vendors and nonprofit organizations.

“We also support them by providing ‘Rosewood Bucks’ to shoppers stopping by the marketplace, to encourage them to make purchases from our vendors,” she explained. “So, in this way, we subsidize vendors at the market, to help them generate income – because marketing here in ‘East County’ is very difficult.”

“We’re doing everything we can to make sure that vendors have a successful market; and, at the same time, shoppers have more money to spend at the market!” Sherpa enthused.

Showing her llama artwork Romina Del Castillo with Ideal PDX.

“The best thing that can come out of these markets is community-building and neighbors connecting,” opined Sherpa. “This is a very multicultural community; so, ‘cultural silos’ is a thing.

“It’s about helping people from different cultures connect with their neighbors, and make new friends,” Sherpa went on. “But also, from the vendors’ standpoint, it is a launch-pad for them to get into larger markets and gain the necessary skill sets. After all, supporting local business is the purpose of a Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative program.”

No one goes hungry with the dishes sold and served up by Nelly’s Taqueria Meat & Food.

Rosewood Saturday Celebrations continue
on July 29 and August 26

On the remaining dates this summer, each held from noon until 4 p.m., join them for “a vibrant community gathering as we celebrate the third year of Rosewood,” as the organizers say.

These markets bring together local artisans, creators, and micro-entrepreneurs for the Makers Market & Resource Fair. It features family fun, activities, and music, it celebrates champions and local talent, and fosters strong bonds within the neighborhood. ?

Questions? Contact Kaylee Sales, kaylee@rosewoodinitiative.org. It’s at the (new) The Rosewood Initiative, located at 14127 SE Stark Street, 97233.

For more information about the Rosewood Initiative, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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