‘Resource Fair’ added to this year’s Lents Cultural Festival

Discover why so many people enjoyed this session of the Lents International Farmers Market not long ago.

Rain or shine, Tatyana and Petr Puzur of Happy Moment Farm are at the Lents International Farmers Market selling their fresh produce and traditional prepared foods.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

It’s been a tradition at the Lents International Farmers Market (LIFM) to co-host a late summer event called the Lents Cultural Festival – which this year was held on September 14th – during the Sunday market day. This year, the festival expanded to become the Lents Cultural and Resource Fair.

A heavy rainstorm pelted the market right at the opening bell, and it briefly looked as if the outdoor portion of the event could be rained out. But, inside, the activity space of The Zed was bustling with activity.

New vendors to the LIFM this year, Melanie Medina and Cultivating Seeds Managing Director Marcos Madina are welcomed by Market Manager Amber Holland.

“We’re happy to be hosting this year’s Cultural and Resource Fair! All season long, our vendors and customers kept asking when the festivities would return – and today’s the day!” LIFM Market Manager Amber Holland told East Portland News.

“The market has been going great this season,” Holland remarked. “The vendors are all reporting good success – we love to hear that as we continue building a loyal shopper base every week.

Anna Cuthbertson from the Kiyokawa Family Orchards sells fresh-off-the-tree fruit.

“Up from last year, we now have about 15 vendors every week,” Holland pointed out. “For example we have new ‘mixed produce’ called Cultivating Seeds, that’s joined us this year.”

Showing some of the free clothing offered at the “Resource Fair”, here’s Sabina Urdes of the East Portland Collective.

Most of the “Resource Fair” activities were located out of the rain, inside the indoor event space at The Zed.

“After the previous event organizers, the Lents Grown Business Association (LGBA), lost their Venture Portland staffer and went somewhat dormant, East Portland Collective stepped up to help put on this festival,” explained their Executive Director, Sabina Urdes.

Helping visitors with their art projects is East Portland Collective volunteer Jackie Dean.

The rain stopped just in time for the Lee’s Association Lion Dance group to perform; Market Manager Amber Holland teased the lions with a head of lettuce. Why? Cantonese word for lettuce (“choy”) sounds similar to the Cantonese word for wealth or fortune.

“We added a ‘skill and resource fair’ component, bringing organizations and information to people here in the greater Lents area,” Urdes explained. “Part of this is bringing back the ‘Free Store’ concept, where we have free offerings for the community – including art, clothing, and safety supplies.

“Also, we’re grateful that Bella’s Italian Bakery, who is part of the LGBA, donated coffee and gift certificates this year,” she added.

As the weather cleared, shoppers paused at the many venders to get their fresh produce for the week.

The LIFM is open every Sunday through November 23 – and they just announced their singular Holiday Market Day on December 13. CLICK HERE to see their webpage for more information.

They’re located on SE 92nd Avenue, a block north of Foster Road at Reedway Street in The Zed parking lot – right across the street from Portland Fire & Rescue Lents Station 11.

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