Find out how the Montavilla Farmers Market did during their regular season. Their first once-a-month market is on November 18 …
Many outer East Portland shoppers come to the last regular Sunday session of the Montavilla Farmers Market.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Strong demand has helped the Montavilla Farmers Market continue to flourish during its 12th season.
Whether the market could continue in the space where it began was in doubt when the property was sold, but the property’s new owners have agreed to let it continue in the space – at least for this season.
Montavilla Farmers Market’s Development Coordinator, Alison De Lancey, spends a moment with Market Manager Amanda Cross.
“The good news is that once-monthly Sunday ‘Winter Stock-up Markets’ will continue to be held at this site – the first one is our ‘Thanksgiving Market’, held on regular hours on November 18, and continuing through February,” said Market Manager Amanda Cross on November 28, during their last every-Sunday market of the year.
“We’ve had good customer turnout – about 2,000 adults each Sunday – thanks to stable vendors, who bring great produce and prepared foods here every week,” Cross told East Portland News.
Scott Fitzpatrick of Montavilla shops Denison Farms’ and Simplicity Farms’ “mutant carrot” vendor, Andre Stewart.
“And, our vendor surveys are coming in; they’re reporting good sales and telling us they look forward to coming back next season,” Cross commented. “And, many of our regular vendors plan to be here for our ‘Stock-up Markets’ as well!”
In addition to being grateful for loyal customers and great vendors, Cross gave kudos to their volunteers. “It takes many hands, and some strong backs, to run the market – with people helping across several shifts of the volunteers who help set up, take down, and run, the market by answering shoppers’ questions, processing SNAP cards, and tokens – everything necessary to make the market go.
Clearly enjoying her Henry Higgins Boiled Bagel is Florentia Frazier of Montavilla.
“We sure appreciate our volunteers, it’s heartfelt gratitude from our entire Board,” Cross grinned.
Also new, Cross said, is that “Winter Stock-up Markets” will be open for the full four hours, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Their Thanksgiving Market is November 18; the Holiday Market is December 23. Then, the markets will continue on January 13, and February 10.
The market is in the 7600 Block of SE Stark Street, just west of the Academy Theater, and across the street from Mr. Plywood. For more information, see their website: CLICK HERE.
© 2018 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™