Family Fun in Portland, Oregon: Parkrose Farmers' Market

Farmers' markets do a thriving business in Portland, Oregon, where many residents are eco-conscious and interested in eating locally and/or organically. Until recently, however, most of the markets have been located closer to the downtown core, or in more affluent areas on the west side.

In 2007, the Montavilla Farmers' Market entered the scene in the Mount Tabor area, and in 2008, the Parkrose Farmers' Market opened at Parkrose High School. Now residents of the outer east side of Portland have more choices for fresh produce, too.

The Parkrose Farmers' Market isn't just about fruits and vegetables, though. It can be a fun outing for the whole family! Kids will enjoy checking out cute pet items from Must Love Dogs and On Call Pet Services, and scarfing down hot, fresh elephant ears.

Adults can find a wide variety of handcrafted items, such as pottery, soap and jewelry, which make great gifts. Baked goods and jams are excellent both as gifts and for home use. In addition to produce, nursery stock and fresh flowers are available directly from the growers.

And then the produce itself! Depending on what's in season, you may be able to get lettuce, tomatoes, berries, zucchini, cabbage, corn, peaches, melons...the possibilities are nearly endless! Let the kids pick out their favorites, so that they'll be sure to eat them at home.

When your shopping is done, relax with a cup of coffee from Traveling Coffee Kids, and listen to some live music. The market has live musical entertainment (http://www.parkrosefarmersmarket.org/eventsschedule.html) scheduled for every weekend. Various food vendors are also on hand, so you can actually have breakfast and/or lunch at the farmers' market. Choose from hot dogs, tamales, sausages, and more.

Finally, don't forget to sign up for the drawing! Each Saturday, the Parkrose Farmers' Market gives away one Market Supported Agriculture bag, which contains a selection of produce and other items donated by market vendors. The drawing is free; just sign up at the Market Master booth (where you can also purchase market shopping bags and shirts).

The Parkrose Farmers' Market is held in the Parkrose High School parking lot, at 12003 NE Shaver Street (just off of NE 122nd Avenue). Parking is plentiful and is available in the lot next to the market, as well as on the street. The market is open every Saturday, May through October, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit the market website at http://www.parkrosefarmersmarket.org.