Following the successes from last year, two local markets will return for a
second go-around, filling weekends this summer with local produce, art, music
and much more. The Mt. Hood Artisan Market opened last month, and will
take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on every other Saturday through Aug. 31 in
the courtyard at the Mt. Hood Village and RV Resort, 65000 E. Hwy. 26 in
Welches, while the Hoodland Farmers Market will take place from 1-4 p.m.
every Sunday starting June 2 and running through Sept. 29.

“As long as we stick with it, it’s got the potential to grow into something,” said
Warren Bates, one of the organizers of the Artisan Market.

Bates noted that last summer’s success was mirrored in a holiday version held
last December (which he also anticipates returning this year). This summer’s
offerings will include jewelry, wood carvings, pottery, handcrafted yard
games, art and more, while the Dragonfly Cafe offers visitors a chance to grab
a bite to eat.

Bates added that the market keeps costs for vendors to a minimum and he’d
like to bring more food options to try and increase the visitors.

“That always brings them,” he said.

Lauren Carusona, Market Manager for the Hoodland Farmers Market, noted
many of the same vendors will return this year, offering fresh produce, meat
and eggs, handmade jewelry, soaps, herbal products and more. This year’s
market will highlight education, with locals and vendors offering classes on
topics such as preserving food, digestion and more, while there will be more
music also offered this summer, including Well Rounded Edges on Sunday,
June 2.

“We’re really trying to be more about focus on education, supporting the
community,” she said.

Carusona also noted the market’s structure has changed, becoming a non-
profit organization with board members. One board member will write a
weekly newsletter offering updates on the market, which people can sign up
for via Facebook or at the market.

“It’s more of a community-based and team-based thing,” she said.

Carusona added that sustainability and low waste will be highlighted at the
market, with no single-use plastic items used and vendors encouraged to
foster reusable containers, such as jars that customers can come back with to
refill.

The market will offer reusable tote bags featuring a new logo, while the site
will also serve as a location to drop off for Amazon packaging.

For more information about the Mt. Hood Artisan Market, email
bateswarren1@gmail.com or Heidi_flanders@equitylifestyle.com. More
information about the Hoodland Farmers Market can be found on the market’s
Facebook page (search for Hoodland Farmers Market).