‘Winter Mart’ returns to Montavilla

Miss your local farmers market? The Montavilla Winter Stock-up Market is back, this Sunday …

Cully neighbor Andrea Giaier buys winter produce from Katie Coppoletta of Fiddlehead Farms.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

When the winter months close in, many folks say that, even in poor weather, they miss their visit to their local farmers market.

For the past few years, the Montavilla Famers Market organization has held once-a-month “Winter Stock-up Market” sessions in December, January, and February.

The December 17 market was buzzing, as shoppers made the best of the two-hour event.

At this “truck market”, Kyle Davis of Kiyokawa Family Orchards unloads fresh fruit – from his truck, right to the stand.

“It is important for people to remember that it is from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. each of these market days,” reminded Market Manager Amanda Cross.

“We call this style a ‘truck market’; with fewer vendors, there’s space for our winter vendors to park their trucks behind their stalls, which makes it easier for them to unload and load out,” Cross told East Portland News.

“At these markets, shoppers can expect to see winter squash, radishes, chicory, broccoli, kohlrabi, carrots, potatoes – winter crops,” Cross informed. “Then, we’ll also see fresh and frozen meat proteins, jams, preserves, barbecue sauces, and other prepared foods, like baked goods – including pretzels and cookies.”

Introducing products at the market, vendor Michelle Posey from GoodMoon Adzuki Bean Bars says her vegan treats were inspired by traditional Chinese Moon Cakes.

Yes, hundreds of folks really do turn out – even in pouring rain – to visit the market, Cross said. “People tell us they come to get fresh food from the vendors they’ve come to see all summer long, because they value being able to ‘buy direct’ from the grower or producer, to know where it’s coming from, and to support local agriculture and producers.”

It’s true, she confirmed, that the landowners of the spot where the market started, and has been held for years, are now selling the space. “It will be an exciting year ahead, including a possible change of location for the market.

Market Manager Amanda Cross spends a moment with volunteers Melissa Munoz, Jen Fulwyler.

“And, right now, we’re looking for new Board Members who are willing to spend a few hours a month helping out, and becoming part of our friendly, ‘international family’,” Cross smiled.

In addition to the January 14 Montavilla Winter Stock-up Market, they’ll hold it again on February 11 – again, for just two hours: From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

For now, it’s still located in the 7600 Block of SE Stark Street, just west of the Academy Theater, and across the street from Mr. Plywood.

Montavilla Farmers Market’s Future Forum held on January 31
From 6:30 until 8:00 p.m., all are invited to help determine a new location for this very popular market. The lot now used has new ownership and development is likely, thus having no space for the market.

Join them at a community forum on January 31, where they’ll share our work so far, including; locations scouted and the guiding principles we are using to evaluate potential sites. The forum is free, but an RSVP is appreciated so we can plan accordingly for the number of attendees; to do so CLICK HERE. It taking place at Montavilla United Methodist Church located at 232 SE 80th Avenue, 97215.

For more information about the market, to learn about volunteer opportunities, to see their “Dog Friendly” policy, or to look at the great variety of vendors there this week, see their website: CLICK HERE.

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