tasting winter's delights

The Oregon City Farmers Market will set up shop downtown on two Saturdays during the holidays

By Anthony Roberts

The Oregon City News, Nov 17, 2009

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This holiday season, Thanksgiving dinner won’t have to travel so far before it reaches your plate.

The Oregon City Farmers Market is hosting two winter markets this year in downtown Oregon City, becoming one of the only area markets to open during the winter months, and setting up shop in the same spot local merchants established a market 85 years ago.

Market manager Jackie Hammond-Williams dug up an article from a 1926 edition of the Morning Enterprise detailing a downtown market established in 1924 on 8th Street between Main Street and Railroad Avenue. That spot, now adjacent to Busch Furniture, is the same place the winter market will occupy during its two dates, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19.

“I feel we’re sort of recreating history,” Hammond-Williams said. “Farmers are going to be unloading their products in exactly the same spot they were unloading them in 1924.”

The location marks a change from the summer market at the Red Soils Government Campus on Kaen Road. While that spot accommodates more vendors, Hammond-Williams said it’s also more exposed to wintry winds. Change will go beyond the venue. The winter season brings different produce, like squash, winter greens and root vegetables. There will also be holiday-oriented vendors selling wreaths, wool items, chestnuts and beeswax candles. The market is also bringing a wild mushroom forager from Washougal, Wash., who not only sells his products, but leads foraging tours in the Cascades.

“We’ll be able to show that in the winter, this area has a ton of great vegetables and we can still eat local during the winter months,” Hammond-Williams said. “We’re going to show people that they can connect with the seasons.”

The Oregon City Farmers Market has grown in success in recent years, leading to this foray into the winter months. If it’s successful, market leaders hope to expand the winter market next year, possibly holding it every other week.

Aside from the market’s success, downtown leaders believe it can provide more exposure for businesses in the area. The market won’t host any food service vendors, leaving customers to stop in at downtown cafes and restaurants for food.

“Historic downtown Oregon City is a great location for a winter market,” said Lloyd Purdy, downtown manager. “We’re pleased to welcome the Oregon City Farmers Market downtown for the holidays.”

Like the summer market, the winter market also has Oregon Trail Card matching funds available, and will offer rides to seniors and others (see box for details).