Six Pro Tips for Your Farmers' Market Summer

Summer in the pacific northwest is the season of so many beloved elements of our region: outdoor theater, outdoor meals, days by the river, nights in the mountains, home gardens, and big, bountiful farmers’ markets.

After a full year of attending every farmers' market, I have a few pointers for making this summer your summer at Hillsdale.
 
1. Our market opens at 9am with the ringing of a big brass bell. The early hour makes us the place to be on those hot hot days, because you can get all your shopping done and be home before the heat settles in.
Pro Tip: If you plan to come right at opening, be ready to chat with your neighbors and friends. We keep shoppers out of the market space until the bell is rung.

2. Our farmers’ market takes place on pavement and we have minimal tree cover, all of which is really just a great excuse to wear your most fabulous hat. You know what I’m talking about - that hat you bought and told yourself, “where will I even wear this??” To the market – that’s where! We love to see the fabulous styles Hillsdale has to offer, whether it’s handmade, haute couture, or handmade-couture.
Pro-tip: In high summer, think sunscreen, shades, AND a hat.

3. Hillsdale Farmers’ Market is situated directly between Reike Elementary School and Ida B. Wells High School. As such, we have kids around every which way, all market day. There is always an activity happening on the field and community members are constantly on their way somewhere. We love being a family friendly market, open for long leisurely strolls or a quick stop to shop between errands.
Pro Tip: leave Fido at home if you plan to come to the market – only service animals are allowed in the market space.

4. Our weekly market is a unique opportunity to engage with your local farmers, and that can mean more than just shopping. Ask them questions about their products – how to prepare them, how they grow them, what their favorite items may be. In the summer we also host the Master Gardeners from the OSU Extension Service. The Master Gardeners are experts who volunteer their time to help you troubleshoot your own garden – talking to an actual person is so much better than google-ing it!
Pro Tip: bring your produce, plant, climate, food systems, or farming questions and engage.
 
5. If you have kids, you may already be familiar with the free weekly kids’ activities offer through our Power of Produce (POP) booth. Did you know kids can also get their own POP bucks to spend while you shop? Every child who participates in our weekly activity earns $4/week for them to spend on the fruits or veggies of their choice at the market. Our goal is to educate our smallest shoppers about the foods that grow in their region and help them understand more about local produce.
Pro Tip: Stop at the POP booth first, so you can shop with your POP bucks!

6. When you’ve brought home the most gorgeous farmers’ market haul you can imagine, it is almost second nature to whip out your phone and snap a picture of it. The colors, the textures, the excess of it all! If you’re the type to share your pictures online, don’t forget to tag us so that your friends and family can find the farmers’ market you love. We’re all busy and we can get trapped in the routine of our week. Who knows – maybe your post will inspire a friend to get out to their local market. In the pacific northwest, and across the country, farmers’ markets are essential.
Pro Tip: share your snaps with us @hillsdalefarmersmarketpdx – we love to repost!

I’ve been with Hillsdale Farmers’ Market for over a year now and I gotta say – each Sunday, I am just more and more excited to head to market!