Peas on Earth
And goodwill to all, at Newport Farmers Market
By Eliot Sekuler
For the TODAY
A weekly ritual for many on the Oregon Coast, the Saturday Newport Farmers Market will continue operating through December 17 this year, allowing customers to find a bounty of fresh produce and a great assortment of unique gift items every right through the holiday season.
Now in its 44th year, the market has shifted locations from time to time, but is now anchored across from Newport City Hall at the corner of Highway 101 and Angle Street, a location that affords great visibility and ample parking. According to the market’s vice president of marketing, Anja Chavez, the location is key to attracting visitors during the summer months and is also convenient for the locals who make the market viable during the off-season.
“The market provides a sense of community, a place of gathering where locals meet each other to buy their groceries and then sit down to have a snack and a conversation,” Chavez said. As evidence of the market’s lasting significance to the city of Newport, of the estimated 120 farmers markets operating in Oregon, Newport’s is among the longest running.
“It’s a huge social event and much needed in Newport,” Chavez said, “where there aren’t many places that provide that opportunity.”
In addition to serving as the market’s marketing chief, Chavez is a vendor, selling hand-made beaded jewelry and goat milk soap from one of three Chavez family market stalls. The family enterprise reflects the market’s creative, DIY spirit: her daughter sells freshly made crepes and her husband offers homemade dog treats, each at their own market locations.
All crafters who participate in the market — on any given week, there are an average of 35 and a maximum of 60 vendors — must be from Lincoln County, assuring a local quality to the market’s handmade merchandise. In recognition of the scarcity of Lincoln County farmers, the produce sellers come from adjacent areas. Regular produce stands at the market are operated by Drahnacre Farms from Corvallis, Gathering Together Farms from Philomath and Dayton’s Pablo Munoz Farms. Others — sellers of berries, peaches, plums and more — attend more seasonally.
On a recent drizzly Saturday morning, the offerings at Pablo Munoz’ farm stand still included an assortment of berries along with pears, apples and other autumn fruit. Eric Cabajal, a nephew of the owner, said customers could expect a variety of apples being offered in coming weeks, along with an assortment of squash and other winter vegetables. Gathering Together Farms’ stand offered pumpkins, cabbage, peppers and an assortment of greens. Enormously sized corn was still available at Dranhacre Farms and over at the Wild Mushrooms stand, Joseph Colomo displayed bags of chanterelles, lobster mushroom and the rarer coral-like cauliflower mushrooms. The coming of the rains should ensure a steady crop.
Holiday shoppers will have ample opportunity to choose truly unique gift items among the dozens of craft offerings.
“We have a great variety of quality items,” said market manager Kelly Grier, “and all of the craft vendors make those items themselves. When you buy them here, you’re getting them directly from the artist. There are no ‘middle men’ involved.”
Gift-worthy holiday edibles will include the delectable tamales and salsa from Chingon Tamales; meat and jams from Walker Farms, jams and pickles from Gingifer’s Kitchen; fudge, caramels, chocolates and biscotti — some with a holiday twist — from Stargazer Gourmet; fresh roasted coffee from Old River Coffee; baked goods from Siren’s Lure Bakery; and winter-oriented tea blends and balms from Lovejoy Botanicals. Wearable items on offer include the imaginative hats and sweaters “re-animated and upcycled” by Franken Threads and shoppers will find a broad variety of candles, pottery and woodwork.
As an added incentive for produce shoppers using SNAP’s Oregon Trail Card, Newport Farmers Market is participating in the state’s “Double Up Food Bucks” program, which allows those using the card to obtain a match of up to $20 when they present their card for the purchase of market tokens at the administrator’s table. “It’s a great deal for our customers,” said Chavez.
Newport Farmers Market runs from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday through Dec. 17 at the junction of Highway 101 and Angle Street. FMI, go to www.newportfarmersmarket.org.