Farmers Markets in the Portland, Oregon Area

The Portland, Oregon area boasts many farmers markets (17 are listed on localharvest.org). There's a main Portland Farmers Market, plus suburban markets and several small neighborhood markets. Virtually anyone who wants to go green and buy healthy, locally grown food can find a local farmers market in Portland, at least during the growing season.

Here's information about some of the lesser-known neighborhood farmers markets in Portland, Oregon.

Parkrose Farmers Market is held every Saturday from May through October at Parkrose High School, 12003 NE Shaver Street. This market began in 2008 and is very popular with local residents. Its vendors include vegetable farmers, fruit growers, soapmakers, nurseries, food vendors, and more. Live bands or other entertainment perform for market-goers every Saturday. This market makes a great outing for the whole family. Adults can shop for vegetables and gifts, while kids will enjoy looking at pet items, picking out their own fruits and vegetables, and getting a snack from the food vendors.

The 2009 market will begin on May 2, and will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. every Saturday. In 2009, the market will also begin accepting Oregon Trail/Food Stamps for food items and debit cards for all items.

Montavilla Farmers Market opened in 2007, and is held in an empty lot near SE 76th and Stark. It's a crowded market, filling a small space, but also a vibrant atmosphere. Favorite farm vendors include Liepold Farms of Boring, Oregon, and Kiyokawa Family Orchards of Parkdale. Bakeries, food vendors, and artisans selling jewelry and artwork are also part of the market.

For 2009, the Montavilla Farmers Market will be open on Saturdays from June 21 to October 25, plus two Saturdays in November. The hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Hollywood Farmers Market, located on NE Hancock between 44th and 45th, has been around a little longer. This market opened in 1997. Its 2009 season will open on May 2 and run through November. Vendors provide produce, cheese, meat, seafood, plants, cut flowers, baked goods, hot food and drinks, and more.

Favorite vendors include Gilson Marine Farms, which brings fresh oysters from Netarts Bay on the Oregon coast, and Winter Green Farm, which delivers its CSA boxes to the Hollywood Farmers Market (as well as selling produce at the market).

Hollywood Farmers Market is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (except in November, when the market opens at 9:00 a.m.). The market has a new dog policy for 2009. From 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., the market will be dog-free, and from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., dogs will be allowed in the market. This market does accept both debit cards and Oregon Trail/Food Stamps cards.