First Saturdays, June-October at Mannahouse
New Market Provides Madison South, Roseway, and Sumner Neighborhoods Access to Affordable, Locally Grown Food; Supports Emerging and Under-Represented Vendors
[PORTLAND, ORE., February 12, 2020] — The newly established Rocky Butte Farmers Market launches its first full season schedule with five monthly markets, June through October 2020. The market will take place from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on the first Saturday of each month – June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, and October 3 – in the spacious parking lot and field of Mannahouse Church at 9200 NE Fremont St.
Rocky Butte Farmers Market aims to strengthen community connections within the diverse Madison South, Roseway, and Sumner neighborhoods. The market will provide access to affordable, seasonal, and locally grown foods and artisan products, free seasonally-inspired family and youth programming, music and entertainment, and the opportunity to meet neighbors and local businesses.
The organizers are also lowering traditional barriers to farmers market participation for beginning and under-represented vendors through outreach to diverse community groups and other accessibility and inclusion initiatives. Vendor applications for the Rocky Butte Farmers Market 2020 season are now available.
“Our primary goal is to provide a community event, anchored in the diversity of our neighbors, that brings us all together to support emerging and under-represented farmers, producers and craftspeople,” said Ben Cutler, President of Rocky Butte Farmers Market.
The Rocky Butte Farmers Market steering committee was formed in 2017. In 2019, the RBFM team produced two pop-up farmers markets at the Dharma Rain Zen Center to gauge community interest. The pop-ups wildly exceeded expectations for attendance and engagement, featuring two dozen local farmers, ranchers, prepared-food businesses and artisans, and welcoming more than 1,000 guests each day.
With a groundswell of community support, Rocky Butte Farmers Market expands to five monthly markets in 2020, relocating to a larger nearby location of Mannahouse Church. These monthly markets are a crucial step toward creating a permanent market.
How to support Rocky Butte Farmers Market:
Rocky Butte Farmers Market is currently organized entirely by volunteers. It is funded primarily by generous donations from local businesses and neighbors, including the following two upcoming fundraising events:
Dine Out for Rocky Butte Farmers Market at Arrowood: Dine out at Arrowood restaurant (5846 NE Sandy Blvd.) on Monday, February 24th between 4pm and 10pm. 25% of gross sales from happy hour and dinner service will be donated to Rocky Butte Farmers Market! Enjoy Arrowood’s full menu, plus market-inspired food specials, a $5 signature RBFM cocktail, a featured farmhouse beer from Second Profession Brewing, a raffle, and the chance to chat with the RBFM organizers!
Sparrowhawk Native Plant Sale to Benefit Rocky Butte Farmers Market: Sparrowhawk Native Plants and Rocky Butte Farmers Market are co-hosting a native plant sale and pick-up event with a portion of sales benefiting RBFM! More than 60 species of native plants will be available for pre-order online at www.sparrowhawknativeplants.
com from Sunday, March 1st through March 15th, or until plants sell out. Customers will then pick-up their plants on either Friday, April 3rd, 9am-4pm, or Saturday, April 4th, 9am-2pm at Dharma Rain Zen Center (8500 NE Siskiyou St). Sparrowhawk Native Plants provides eco-minded gardeners in the Portland-Vancouver Metro area with plants that support insects, wildlife, and healthy neighborhoods at affordable prices. (Pickup party volunteers needed!)
Community members interested in volunteering with Rocky Butte Farmers Market can sign up at https://www.rockybuttemarket.
Businesses interested in sponsoring the Rocky Butte Farmers Market 2020 season with a donation can learn more at https://www.rockybuttemarket.
ABOUT ROCKY BUTTE FARMERS MARKET: Rocky Butte Farmers Market provides area residents with access to affordable, seasonal, and locally grown foods and artisan products. Our goal is to lower barriers to market participation for beginning and under-represented vendors, and to strengthen connections within our diverse community. Rocky Butte Farmers Market 2020 season is scheduled for the first Saturday of each month, June through October, 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. at Mannahouse Church, 9200 NE Fremont St. For more information, please visit https://www.rockybuttemarket.