Tough to beet

Newport Farmer’s Market sets the standard for fresh fare

By Leslie O’Donnell

For the TODAY

Manager Kelly Greer describes the Newport Farmer’s Market as “a very friendly, positive place. People smile a lot when they’re here.”

It’s also a fixture of the Newport community and the second-longest-running farmer’s market in Oregon, operating since 1978.

Today, the market is held outdoors from mid-March to mid-December and has about 50 vendors.

“We used to have a winter market indoors,” Greer said. Since COVID, the market has changed to an all-outdoor offering.

Some of the vendors have been with the market for more than 20 years, Greer said, with many returning for more than a decade. Offerings range from hot prepared meals, to fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables, to a variety of unique crafts.

Andrew Flores of Gathering Together Farm in Philomath said the farm has been a staple at the Newport market for several years and has several booths.

“Right now we have a big selection of vegetables like summer squash and onions, as well as herbs,” he said. “Newport is a pretty popular market.”

And it attracts plenty of customers.

“I think 1,000 people walk through the market every Saturday — there’s a steady flow of people,” Greer said. “I see a lot of the same people every week.”

The market offers seating areas as well, and Greer said some customers will make their purchases and settle down to chat.

“Not everyone just shops and goes home,” he said. “We get a lot of regulars early in the morning and then later on we get tourists coming in as well.”

Renee Roberts of Tic Tac Taco has been a market vendor for about eight years and is in her fourth year as board president of the market. She sells Mexican street-style food, ranging from tortas and huevos rancheros to salads.

“The market is like my second family,” said Roberts, who lives in South Beach. “Some days I eat, sleep and breathe the Farmer’s Market. I love all my staff and all the vendors, and we have great new vendors this year along with great repeats.”

Roberts said some customers stop by just to say hello.

“We like to see customers enjoy what we have to offer, even if they don’t spend any money,” she said. “We’re a completely inclusive market. We’re happy to have you.”

Greer said the market prides itself on offering quality goods and being professional. All craft items must be made by the crafters themselves, who must live in Lincoln County. And only three crafters who make similar items, jewelry, for example, are allowed.

“This is a wonderful community market with high-quality food and crafts,” Greer said. “We get lots of children, and dogs on leashes, we don’t allow smoking and we’re here rain or shine.”

Greer said the market recently received a $13,000 grant that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program customers to get a $20 match per week.

The vendors and customers are the best part of the market, Greer said, adding that helping vendors sell their wares and customers find quality items are big parts of his job. He noted that bakery items, coffee and produce are among the most popular selections.

Tash Wesp of Newport has been setting up her wearable art boutique, Tash’s Textiles, at the farmers market since the start of COVID.

“It was hard to stay six feet apart and mask up but I persevered,” she said. “I didn’t realize how wonderful it is to sell directly to people and set up my own boutique. I feel so humbled and grateful to be there and to see people from town and have people from out of town buy my things.”

Wesp has been creating with textiles for more than 20 years. 

“When I get to sell from my body of work, it feels like a gift — and a celebration of me,” she said.

While the market does not hire musicians, Greer said that young people sometimes bring a guitar or violin to play.

On a Saturday morning, the Newport Farmer’s Market is the place to go for a hot snack, fresh produce, or a unique, locally made craft. And it’s a good place just to walk around and browse.

The Newport Farmer’s Market is open from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday until mid-December. The market is located in a parking lot on Hwy. 101 at Angle Street, across from Newport City Hall.

For more information, go to newportfarmersmarket.org or call 541-961-8236.