Welcome to the farm leagues
Newport Farmers Market kicks off the coast’s farmers market season
By Barbara B. Covell
For the TODAY
It’s that time of year when Saturdays take on a whole new meaning, especially this year, with the early opening of the outdoor summer Newport Farmers Market, offering a tantalizing mix of fresh produce, art, music, jewelry, crafts, clothing, plants and delicious prepared foods; everything locally grown or made by the participating vendors.
Anja Chavez, vice president of marketing for the market, says this year will resemble the colorful summers of the past but with, of course, COVID guidelines based in guidance from the Oregon Farmers Markets Association.
“Last year we had to cut the number of booths in half and rotate vendor attendance,” she said. “This year we measured every square inch of the market space, making a poster board replica with squares representing each vendor to get the most out of the space.”
In order to establish a normal flow and safe customer traffic patterns, there is one entrance and one exit to the market, well-marked and staffed with friendly volunteers.
Despite the necessary changes, the eclectic product and fun continues.
“There is so much diversity in food, produce, art, jewelry and music,” Chavez said. “We have unique gifts and locally sourced honey, eggs and wellness products. With an average 47 vendors each Saturday, there is something for everyone.”
A board of directors maintains the operations and works with the City to help to ensure that there is a large variety of product and produce.
“What’s important is that we are all equal and there is no bias for any vendor,” Chavez said. “We are represented as a whole. It takes all of us to make the market.”
Sponsored by the Lincoln County Small Farmers Association, Newport Farmers Market is a boon for the City of Newport and Lincoln County, as well. Established in 1978, the market has become a major attraction for tourists and locals and, after 43 years, has played a positive role in the city’s growth.
On an average Saturday during the summer, about 3,000 people come for the outdoor market experience.
“Try to get there early,” Chavez said. “The fresh produce is typically the first to sell out.”
Behind the scenes are the farmers and gardeners that grow and harvest their produce and plants; the artists and crafters designing and creating jewelry, pottery, clothing or paintings; food vendors preparing and packaging their cuisine and even the musicians rehearsing for their performances. Then there are the booths and equipment to set up and tear down at the day’s end. Juggling the weather and wind conditions can definitely be a bit dicey here on the coast. It is a tough job and often wearing, yet rewarding at the same time. Vendors are resilient people.
Not all vendors are present every Saturday as the growing season changes or product fluctuates.
“This is a reason to come back and see what’s new,” Chavez says.
The Saturday market is open, rain or shine, from 9 am to 1 pm every Saturday through October on Highway 101 and Angle Street. Credit, debit and EBT cards are accepted and an ATM is located at the Market Info booth.
For more information about the Newport Farmers Market, go to newportfarmersmarket.org, facebook.com/newportfarmersmarket or call 541-961-8236.
Twisted Tidewater & Tidewater Timber
Randi and Mark share a booth that features her hand-dyed roving and knitted creations and his hand-crafted woodworks.
“I create and use all-natural dyes from things like marigold or lobster mushroom,” Randi said. “We actually grow or forage for them. Mark also tries to use local woods as much as possible in his products, but does sometimes use exotic woods too.”
Chingon Tamales
Sold from a lavish, brightly colored booth, the fresh made tamales, salsas and flavor packets made and sold by Dan Allire are a big hit.
“My tamales are amazing and I have many varieties, including vegan,” he said. “They come frozen so you can store them or let them thaw all day and have them for dinner. My Spanish rice seasoning packets come with full instructions that tell you exactly how to cook the rice. My salsa has a blend of four different peppers. I make it easy for you make a full, authentic Mexican meal.”
Pottery by Pam Young
Young’s pottery has been a presence at many coastal markets, and she was chosen this year to make the official mugs of the Lincoln City Cultural Center.
“I’ve been making mugs for forever,” she said. “It’s what I sell the most and what I’m known for, so I like to come up with new designs every year. I’m pretty excited about this new set. Last year, non-food-related booths were only able to be here every few weeks. But now that they have restructured, unless it’s pouring down rain, I’ll be here.”