Farm Fresh Fun

McMinnville Farmers Market is kicking off the season with an assorted showcase of the region’s finest small farms and food producers, along with handcrafted treasures and other delightful finds you don’t want to miss!

Founded in 2001, the market is organized by the McMinnville Downtown Association and runs from May 8th through October 16th from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoons. Located on First & Cowls next to City Hall, the event features over 100 rotating vendors, with 60 to 80 on-site weekly. From farm-raised meats and seasonal produce to bright blooms and fresh-baked pastries, all your local favorites are back, with a few new faces to add to the party!

Gratefull Gardens has returned this year with a beautiful selection of organic produce, free-range eggs and veggie starts. Briar Rose Creamery is back with rich and flavorful small-batch artisan cheeses, and be sure to stop at Oregon Creamed Honey for a taste of their luscious creations. Plants That Bite Back with their carnivorous plants is another must-visit — you might find yourself going home with a Venus flytrap!

Many vendors give out samples, including sips of beer, wine and spirits. “Pablo Munoz Farms usually offers samples of fresh berries, or they’ll cut up a peach and let customers try it,” says Market Manager Samantha Monagon.

Hot meals and seating are available in the food court. “We’ve doubled the seating capacity this year, and it’s shaded with pop-up tents,” Samantha says. Neely’s Food Truck is back again, serving mouth-watering burgers, dogs and wings. Olerich Farms is new this year and specializes in charcuterie! Stop at their booth and pick up a mini-charcuterie cup curated with local ingredients.

Feeding the community and promoting sustainability are two major cornerstones of the market. The McMinnville Downtown Association is partnering with Forever Ware for hot food, a reusable takeout container system. The goal is to be 90% waste-free for the year!

Marketgoers can visit the information table to redeem SNAP dollars and the Double-Up Food Bucks program, valid for fresh produce and vegetable starts. “We match up to $20,” Samantha explains. “So if we run their SNAP card for $20, we give them $20, and they’ll have $40 to spend.” Last year, they gave out a whopping $20,000 in Double-Up Food Bucks and $28,000 in SNAP. WIC and Farm Direct Nutrition checks for seniors are accepted by participating vendors.

The market also hosts the “Zuke Races” in partnership with McMinnville Parks & Rec, a highly entertaining event! Kids can use tokens to purchase donated zucchini from different booths, which they construct into zucchini vehicles to be raced down a giant ramp. August 7th’s market occurs during National Farmers Market Week, and it’s the perfect time to visit, with live music, a raffle and activities for children. Downtown McMinnville is full of excellent shopping and restaurants — a fantastic area to walk around and explore.

“It’s a great time to support local small businesses and stock up on fresh produce,” Samantha says. The farmers’ market holds a contest inviting local artists to create a unique poster for the year, so keep your eye out for the winning design; you’ll see it posted in and around the market!

McMinnville Farmers Market is located at 105 N.E. Third Street. Please give them a call at 503-472-3605 or visit their website at downtownmcminnville.com.