A Cause to Celebrate – 25 Years of Service!
Beaverton Farmers Market Honors Its Market Master and Assistant Market Master
[Beaverton, OR]: Beaverton Farmers Market is proud to honor its Market Master, Ginger Proffitt-Rapport, and Assistant Market Master, Sue Poff, on their 25th anniversary serving in their roles with the Market. Beaverton Farmers Market, along with Beaverton City Mayor, Denny Doyle, will be celebrating this momentous occasion at Beaverton Farmers Market on Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM.
“For 25 years these two women have worked tirelessly to establish our market as a leader in regional farmers markets. Their efforts on behalf of vendors and consumers have helped create a positive community experience. Without their contributions we would not be where we are today,” says Paul von Bergen, Beaverton Farmers Market Board President. “Their extraordinary management of the market during the pandemic to keep it safe for all and provide community service for both vendors and customers during these difficult times is something to celebrate.”
In the 25 years since Ginger Proffitt-Rapport and Sue Poff joined the market they have overseen many changes and growth. Upon joining the market in 1996 it was the largest farmers market in the state at about half the size the market is now. As interest in shopping more locally has grown, so has the market thanks to Proffitt-Rapport and Poff’s work. The two have been there to implement changes to accommodate the growing attendance, including expanding the footprint of the market, adding more entertainment through the summer season, and establishing “Local Liquid” to feature its craft beer, wine, and spirits vendors, as well as multiple dining areas. At the start of the 2020 Covid pandemic, Proffitt-Rapport and Poff acted swiftly and pivoted to a “drive-through” market (still accommodating pedestrian traffic) in order to keep market goers, staff, and vendors safe. As the market continued into summer the two made constant improvements and policies in order to keep the market thriving and safe.
About Beaverton Farmers Market:
Beaverton Farmers Market was established in 1988 by the Central Beaverton Neighborhood Association as a community gathering place for the people of Beaverton. It is the largest single farmers market in the state and welcomes local vendors from Oregon and Washington with a wide range of products. The market is comprised of nursery growers, farmers, and ranchers – both conventional and organic. Artisan food producers offer prepared products, ranging from fruit jams to farmstead cheeses, breads and pastries, pickles, pasta, chocolate, and more. Beaverton Farmers Market is governed by a board consisting of community volunteers, as well as vendor representatives, who meet to determine the policies and procedures of the market.