‘New’ location a boon to Rocky Butte Farmer’s Market

See how this outer East Portland farmers market is benefitting from its new location near Rocky Butte …

Moving a few blocks west in the Madison South neighborhood is bringing more shoppers and vendors to the Rocky Butte Farmers Market.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

After beginning as an occasional “pop-up market” in 2019, and then establishing itself as a weekly market serving Parkrose, Madison South, Argay Terrace, and other northern outer East Portland neighborhoods in 2022 – from the church parking lot on Rocky Butte – the Rocky Butte Farmers Market (RBFM) has continued to grow.

But, last year’s move westward, to the north side of Glenhaven Park just west of NE 82nd Avenue of Roses, has really benefitted this every–Saturday market, officials say.

Rocky Butte Farmers Market Board Member Keri Friedman spends a few minutes with Cheyenne Plotner and Teresa Tan of TT’s Bakehouse, as he cooks up another “yokelet”.

“Indeed, this is our second season in this location – and it’s been great,” RBFM Board Member Keri Friedman reported on our recent visit.

“Last year our attendance numbers went up 85%, just by changing locations – which is what we all suspected would happen – but, taking the chance and moving, confirmed it by making this a much busier market,” Friedman told East Portland News.

Shoppers enjoy browsing a wide variety of vendors at this farmers market.

Nina Robinson and Luke Merrill say they’ve arrived from just up the street, in the Sumner neighborhood, to shop and dine – enjoying some just-purchased La Comelona Chile Habanero Salsa on their yokelets.

Each week, shoppers can browse among from 15 to 20 vendors who offer farm-fresh produce, craft items, cleaning supplies, and ready-to-eat food.

“Because of our increased visibility, we continue to see a lot of walk-in shoppers from the surrounding neighborhood, as well as people who drive here to visit us,” observed Friedman.

Travis Martin with Simpson’s Refill Company offers wide variety of cleaners and soaps – reusing customers’ containers.

Bringing in last-of-the-season blueberries in from Corbett, to be offered at the Community Table, are Ryan Guagliardo, a third generation blueberry farmer at Kock Farm, and 43-year berry farmer-founder Clair Klock of Klock Farm.

“One of the unique features of our farmers market is how we support micro-businesses by providing them space to sell their goods at our ‘Community Table’ to ‘test market’ their products; several of these folks become successful enough to take a booth at the market,” Friedman noted.

Musically entertaining is the group Wen’idt, an ‘Indigenous Jazz’ band.

Rocky Butte Farmers Market

Saturdays, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. through October 25
Seasonal, and locally grown foods and artisan products
Live music
In Madison South neighborhood
North side of Glenhaven Park
NE Siskiyou Street between 80th and 82nd Avenues
For more information, see their official website: CLICK HERE.

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