21 February 2014

Last Call for Winter Market 2014

By Kelly Merrick

Here in Portland we’re lucky because we have an abundance of farmer’s markets. In fact, with the exception of a few weeks during the holidays, hardly a week goes by without a market.

But there are a few times a year when market staff, volunteers and vendors get a little break. In fact, there is just one last market left to stock up on food from your favorite vendors at our Winter Market at Shemanski Park.

After the last Winter Market for the season, there will be a two week hiatus and then the PSU Market will reopen on March 15th, so be sure to stop by this Saturday, February 22, from 10am to 2pm to stock up on the farm fresh produce and other goods you’ll need to get yourself through the next few weeks.

Once the market reopens at PSU, staff, volunteers and vendors won’t take a break until winter, which means there will be nearly nine months of activities, great food and fantastic music for market-goers.

Having been a volunteer for a full season now, I have had a glimpse into the work that goes into coordinating all of the details, and let me tell you that market staff work really hard to make the market the fabulous place it is. And the truth is, they couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers.

So as we approach the busy season, I encourage you to sign up to be a volunteer and help support the wonderful programming already available.

Here are some of the ways I have lent a hand and how you can too:

  • Take a shift at the information booth and help sell merchandise, answer customer questions and manage the veggie valet
  • Sign up to help with customer counts and do some people watching at the same time
  • Get to know Portland chefs by volunteering to co-host Chef in the Market
  • Assist with the Kid’s Cook in the Market activities and prepare fresh meals with some of Portland’s junior chefs-in-the-making
  • Get your hands dirty with kids and adults during the Halloween pumpkin carving contest
  • Refine your writing skills and contribute to the market’s blog
  • And if you’re really lucky, they may even let you ring the opening bell!
This is me ringing the opening bell!

This is me ringing the opening bell!

If you’re interested in volunteering, it’s easy to get involved. Just click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to contact Abby Warren, volunteer coordinator for Portland Farmers Market.