While the regular Montavilla Farmers Market season has ended, there are still special markets, one coming up very soon …
Even with the threat of rain, shoppers turn out for the last day of the regular season at the Montavilla Farmers Market.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“It’s hard to believe that this is the last weekly market of the regular season,” reflected Montavilla Farmers Market Manager Amanda Cross, on October 29.
“Gathering with our volunteers today, we’re getting a little weepy, knowing that we won’t see each other or some of these vendors for a few weeks, and the market season is now over,” Cross told East Portland News.
From their kitchen in Oregon City, Anthony Anello of Bliss Nut Butters spends a moment with Market Manager Amanda Cross.
“We’ve had all kinds of different weather this season, but it turned out very well because, regardless of what was like outside, neighbors still came shop, making our vendors are very happy,” Cross said.
She’s enjoyed working with small, emerging businesses who are testing their offerings at the market, gaining feedback from the customers. They now say they’re coming back in 2018, to perfect their products and their selling strategy.
Still with lots to sell are Gopal Thomas and Andre Stewart from Simplicity Gardens, who proudly show their veggies.
The key to having almost all of their vendors return, year after year, Cross remarked, is that volunteers with “clicker” counters are logging between 1,500 shoppers, and 1,900 shoppers every Sunday. “Of course, during the Montavilla Street Fair, we almost broke the counters, hitting 4,500 visitors!” she exclaimed.
“We have so many ‘regulars’ who not only shop, but also socialize with one another,” Cross said. “And being here, I like being connected with my community, and seeing people that I’ve come to know.”
The musical duo, Fish & Ellis, entertain of the market.
Thanksgiving Market on November 19
However, shoppers have come to count on the Montavilla Farmers Market holding their annual special Thanksgiving Market, which this year is on November 19 – from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
“And, after that, remember our ‘Winter Stock-Up Markets’ on December 17th, and then again on January 14th and February 11th early next year,” reminded Cross.
The Winter Stock-Up Markets, open for just two hours from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., are called “truck markets”, in which vendors set up on, and sell from, the back of their trucks – easier for both vendors and customers in the colder and rainy weather.
“Our Winter Stock-Up Markets have a different atmosphere, but both shoppers and vendors continue to enjoy them,” Cross smiled.
The Montavilla Farmers Market can be found in the 7700 block of SE Stark Street, in the gravel lot across from Mr. Plywood. For more information, see their official website: CLICK HERE.
> On our Front Page: Heather Wassell holds Amelia Lambert, while she enjoys farm-fresh produce at the market.
© 2017 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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