The communities of Estacada and Sandy have both in recent years been on the list of quickly growing cities to watch. So it only makes sense that with their population growth, their farmers markets grow with them.
This season, both markets have experienced an influx of vendors, creating more variety of goods for shoppers.
"The Estacada Farmer's Market is experiencing its best year since before the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down in 2020," said Tara Nash, market board member. "Local craftsmen, artists, and farmers are coming together to provide a fantastic experience for our community. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, cut flower arrangements, microgreens, teas, roasted coffee beans, homemade body products, and local crafts. The market now supports several local farms, many of which accept Oregon Farm Direct Nutrition checks, making it a significant benefit to our area."
The Estacada Farmers Market opened on May 11, in its dedicated space in front of the Estacada Fire Station. The market runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
More than 35 vendors applied to partake in the seasonal market fun this year, tipping the scales between farm stands and craft booths to provide better balance.
Estacada vendors offer a variety of items, including but not limited to vegetables, fruits, eggs, goat milk, baked goods, roasted coffee, micro greens, tinctures, mushrooms, teas and fresh cut flowers, as well as craft items like jewelry, lotions, soaps, birdhouses, artwork, dried flowers, fabric arts and more.
There is live music every second and fourth Saturday and a kids’ craft booth every third Saturday at the market. Market organizers also plan to host The Great Cookie Bake-Off at the market on Saturday, Aug. 17. More information about that event will be available soon.
The market is every Saturday through the end of September. The market board is seeking more board members as well as volunteers to help run the markets.
For more information about the Estacada market, volunteering, or to apply to vend, visit estacadafarmersmarket.com.
In neighboring Sandy, Jenny Rippey from AntFarm has been hard at work this season with the Mount Hood Farmers Market at 38600 Proctor Blvd.
The market opened on May 17, and runs every Friday from 2-7 p.m. This year the market the market includes live music and a plethora of more than 35 artisans and farmers to shop from.
"The market this year is off to an amazing start," said Rippey. "Many people are taking advantage of the Double Up Food Bucks program and the youth are loving the Power of Produce activities. We have had several new vendors join in the last month, bringing in food, handmade crafts and flowers. We are still actively seeking fruit and veggie vendors as well as more food vendors. Over all we are really excited for how well the market has been going and look forward to the rest of the season."
AntFarm also facilitates programs like the Power of Produce, through which children can learn about the origins of their food, do fun activities and earn tokens they can exchange for healthy treats from vendors.
This year, thanks to a partnership with and grant from the American Heart Association, AntFarm has been able to double the amount of tokens they give out to a $4 value.
Double Up Food Bucks, which allows those who receive SNAP benefits to double their benefits and purchase farm fresh products, will also still be offered.
“If you spend $20 of your SNAP dollars at a participating farmers market, we will give you another $20 to buy more locally grown fruits and vegetables,” according to the Double Up Food Bucks website.
The market season ends Friday, Oct. 18.
Those who are interested can apply to vend in Sandy throughout the season. For more information, visit mounthoodfarmersmarket.org.
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