Still blooming after 25 years

Newport Farmers Market marks its quarter century

Story & photos by Andrea McCabe

Oregon Coast TODAY

The Newport Farmers Market is celebrating its 45th anniversary this Saturday, July 1. Since 1978, the market has exemplified the authenticity and culture along the Oregon Coast.

Market board vice president Anja Chavez believes the anniversary will showcase the market’s diverse array of stands and vendors. From crafts to cravings there is something for everyone to enjoy. OKAY2BOTAY, a traveling steel drum high school band from Washington, will provide lively music that emphasizes the bright energy the market radiates. The day will also have other activities amidst the usual vendors including jugglers, face painting, balloon animals, hula hoops and a henna tattoo artist.

Chavez sees the positive impact the market has had on the community and vendors throughout the years.

“From the crafters' side I have seen many that came in and just thought that they could sell their hobby on a weekend,” she said, “and turned that into their actual business.”

Among the new vendors that have popped up the past few years are numerous stands with a history at the market.

DrahnAcre Farms, located in Corvallis, has been coming to the market for 30 years with no plans of stopping.

The farm has been selling its produce at various farmers markets along the coast since 1983. Owner and farmer Scott Drahn said being part of the market has helped grow his business.

“The people in Newport really appreciate the fresh produce we bring over from the Valley,” he said. “A lot of stuff that I grow is because they ask me to grow. I think it does influence me.”

The relationships built at the Newport Farmers Market are just as important to Drahn as the produce they sell.
“The biggest thing is seeing people we have known over the years and selling produce to,” he said. “We have built up a lot of friendships. Just having people appreciate you and those kinds of things are rewarding.”

The location of the market plays an important role in its success. Highway 101 draws in visitors looking for authentic coastal experiences and products. Chavez sees how the current placement of the market today has allowed it to expand and continue to thrive.

“I remember from way back when you didn't necessarily have to have a canopy,” Chavez said. “Back then it was more common to set up a table and call it good. We tried to squeeze in as many people and as many vendors that had applied at the time. It was very, very eclectic and unusual back then.”

The close-knit community culture and the increasing awareness of local food is an important aspect of the Newport Farmers Market. The market developed a food stamp program that has now been implemented in other farmers markets along the coast. Originally called The Lemonade Stand, the market now works with a state-run food stamp program called Double Up Food Bucks to provide people with healthy, fresh and local food.

Currently the future of the market is uncertain. The City’s new Transportation System Plan includes an option to create a one-way couplet for Highway 101, which would cause the market to lose the current parking lot. This has created some concern for Chavez and other board members.

“If the location of the market moves away from Highway 101, we lose a humongous customer base,” Chavez said. “If this happens, the crafters will not survive. The market has grown in popularity as far as the farmers and the produce goes. But the crafters are depending on the visibility on highway 101.”

Luckily, the plan to divert traffic will not be carried out for several years but is still a worry looming over board members and vendors.

Chavez’s passion for the market, its future and the impact it has on the community is what motivates her to continue to stay on the board.

“I have been doing this for 22 years,” she said. “I wouldn't be doing it anymore if I would feel that there is no future in it.”

The market is open from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday until mid-December and is located in a parking lot on Highway 101 at Angle Street, across from Newport City Hall. For more information, go to newportfarmersmarket.org or call 541-961-8236.