Pearl District Neighborhood Association

THURSDAY FARMERS MARKET BLOOMS IN PORTLAND’S PEARL DISTRICT

Jun 12, 2004

PORTLAND, Ore. ?– May 24, 2004 ?– Backyard-starved residences of the Pearl District can find a bounty of field-fresh produce on Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., beginning June 3 through Sept. 2, when 40 small local farmers, bakers and specialty food producers transform the Ecotrust parking lot at the Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center into a lively, open-air farmers market.

Organized and managed by the nonprofit Portland Farmers Market, the market at Ecotrust will feature inspiring culinary demonstrations by some of the city?’s top chefs, live music, plus sustainably grown produce, flower bouquets, artisan breads, cheeses, deserts, pasture-raised meats, seafood and wine. Located at NW 10th between Irving and Johnson, market shoppers can jump on the streetcar for easy access.

?“Portland Farmers Market at Ecotrust is the perfect solution for city dwellers who yearn for more than their own urban plot or balcony garden can deliver,?” said market manager Hallie Mittleman. ?“The community can shop for a full range of ingredients for dinner, grab ready-to-eat foods for a picnic at nearby Jamison Square, and connect with the local farmers, chefs and bakers who love to share stories about healthy eating, farming, and cooking or planting advice.?”

Now in its fourth year, this year?’s Thursday farmers market will feature two special events and weekly chef demonstrations. The schedule includes:

Berries in The Pearl, Thurs., June 24th ?– Learn all about the seven strawberry varieties grown in Oregon and enjoy a free berry shortcake while watching a chef demonstration conducted by Janie Hibler, author of The Berry Bible. Berry farmers will be selling pints, quarts, and mixed flats chock full of fresh red raspberries, blackberries, Marion berries, and strawberries.

Corn Roast and Melon Madness, Thurs., August 19th ?– Celebrate Oregon?’s peak of the season bounty by eating fresh roasted corn hot-off-the-grill and refreshing, sweet, red, orange and yellow melons. Enjoy music, cooking demos and more at Portland Farmers Market?’s newest food festival.

Meet some of the nation?’s most innovative chefs while enjoying a free cooking demonstration featuring ingredients purchased just minutes earlier from farmers on-site. Chefs?’ demos begin at 6 p.m.
June 3 Scott Dolich, Park Kitchen
June 10 Charles Flint, Paragon
June 17 Cheryl Wakerhauser, Pix Patisserie
June 24 Janie Hibler, Author of The Berry Bible
July 1 Ron Glanville, In Good Taste
July 8 Marco Shaw, Fife
July 15 Matt Johnson, Tabla
July 22 Tim Healea, Pearl Bakery
July 29 Paul Klitsie, Fratelli
Aug. 5 Morgan Brownlow, clarklewis
Aug. 19 Skye Elder, Touche
Aug. 26 Ronnie MacQuarrie, Southpark
Sept. 2 Billy Shumaker, Taqueria Nueve

Portland Farmers Market at Ecotrust is made possible by the support of Ecotrust, the Pearl District Neighborhood Association, and Zimmerman Community Center, and through generous sponsorships from The Oregonian and West Coast Bank.

About Portland Farmers Market
Portland Farmers Market is a community of more than 200 family farmers and artisan food vendors. Governed by a 17-member volunteer Board of Directors, the market is a 501(C)(6), and receives no monetary support from any government or public agency. For more information, visit www.portlandfarmersmarket.org.