Winter ‘Stock-up’ markets return to Montavilla

No matter the weather, here’s where you can go in outer East Portland to buy great fresh and prepared foods. The next one is Sunday, January 15 …

At the two-hour long Montavilla Winter Stock-up Market, shoppers are invited to visit vendors at this unusual farmers market.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

For those who dearly miss visiting outdoor farmers markets when the season ends, shoppers can again get their “fresh fix” during the winter months at the Montavilla Winter Stock-up Market.

It’s located in the same location as the popular summer farmers market, and it’s held on Sunday – but they only take place once per month.

Some snow on the ground doesn’t stop shoppers from visiting favorite vendors, such as Fiddlehead Farms from Corbett.

“This is our first of three Winter Stock-up Markets,” smiled Market Manager Amanda Cross on December 18.

“What’s different about these is that we call it a ‘truck market’ – in that vendors get to sell right from the back of the trucks that they pull up here into the lot,” Cross told East Portland News.

Market Manager Amanda Cross spends a moment with Faye Holliday of Fressen Artisan Bakery, a Montavilla-based business on NE Glisan Street.

“The weather can be challenging, but like today, we got through the storms, and we have a beautiful sunny winter day here in which to hold a festive market,” Cross pointed out.

Typically, at a winter market, shoppers find many protein products – pork, beef, chicken, lamb, and fresh eggs; as well as squash, some greens, and root cellar type vegetables, the manager said.

Montavilla resident Ivy Watson buys apples from Joshua Rowlett of Kiyokawa Family Orchards.

“Some of the vendors from our regular season provide ‘value added’ products – like making squash butter, pickles, or jams and jellies that they’ve put up from summer crops,” Cross remarked.

If you come on Sunday, January 15, or visit the last one on February 12, you will find as many as 18 vendors on hand displaying and selling their wares.

“These vendors work all year long,” Cross pointed out. “It’s great to have the community at come out and support them; they provide what we want – what we need and enjoy.”

Come on out, and shop outdoors at the next Montavilla Winter Stock-up Market.

Montavilla Winter Stock Up Farmers Market is for two hours only, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

It’s located in the 7600 Block of SE Stark Street, just west of the Academy Theater, and across the street from Mr. Plywood. For more information, and to make sure they’re open during this winter storm, see their website: CLICK HERE.

Comments are closed.