It was my first time at the Beaverton Farmers Market last weekend and I can't stress to you enough what a fantastic market it is. I'd heard that it was a good one but until I saw it with my own eyes -- adjacent to the Beaverton City Library and just north of Beaverton City Park -- I had no idea.
First off, it's huge -- nearly 200 stalls. Second, vendors from Oregon and Western Washington are fully loaded with farm fresh products because people really shop at this market. I've never seen so many customer bags, baskets, carts and wagons full-to-brimming before at a market.
I talked with market director Ginger Rapport for a while (I was there selling books and she stopped by a couple times to check in) and she told me that the Beaverton Farmers Market stands out because folks there are shopping for families as opposed to other urban markets where people are sometimes snack shopping, gathering a few boutique edible items, or just treating the market as a great people-watching spot to check out.
Folks really use their purchasing power at the Beaverton Market and this has a lasting impact. In other words, there's A LOT to choose from. Including some really good eat-there market foods. My friend Christine and I ate some super tasty pork and asparagus tamales from these folks.
Here's a bit of what stood out for me at last Saturday's market...
A very good sign...
My friend Christine stopped by and we both got salsa supplies from Forest Grove's Sosa Farms.
More from Sosa Farms...
If I didn't have a big sack of hazelnuts already I would've gotten some from this guy.
The Pony Espresso folks had a long line all day.
Notebook, pen, money pouch, camera, sunglasses and books is all I need for a great day at the market...
Beaverton Farmers Market www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com Downtown Beaverton at SW Hall between 3rd and 5th Street Get directions 503.643.5345 Saturdays 5/8/10-10/30/10 -- 8am-1:30m Wednesdays 6/16/10-8/25/10 -- 3-6pm Harvest Market 11/20/10 -- 8am-1:30pm