CRESWELL – Last weekend, the City of Creswell debuted its version of a farmer’s market, the Farm to Table Event. Community members were invited to check out the free event during the city-wide yard sales.
Catchy pop tunes could be heard from Wren Entertainment’s speaker system in the parking lot across from the community center off South 1st Street. A few pop-up canopy tents hosted local vendors selling handmade goods like lavender apothecary products, baked goods, and garden starts.
The community response was immediate. Kids played in the sun, folks walked around with flower bouquets and Creswell Farm to Table Event tote bags.
“There was a steady stream of people visiting the vendors, kids were dancing to the music, and the vendors enjoyed connecting with one another and learning about each other’s work,” said city manager Vincent Martorello.
He said the City’s goal of bringing attention to the idea of starting a farmer’s market in Creswell was definitely accomplished and interest was received from vendors who want to participate.
“It’s nice to see the town come alive,” said front house manager at Pazzo Restaurant, Alyson Lynch.
At the event, Jennifer Cartwright had a stand that stood out from others. Cartwright sold her sourdough baked goods from a renovated recreational vehicle (RV). Row River Bakehouse, a bakery based in Cottage Grove, offers naturally fermented Artisan bread and a rotating selection of baked goods, including cinnamon rolls and cookies.
Cartwright said they were given the trailer that originally had roof damage, but her husband, Patrick, owns a car restoration company, Coast Fork Classics, and was able to repair and customize it.
“My big dreams are to take an old milk truck or something cool, and restore it. Proof of concept is working here,” she said. “This allows us to go around to different communities now.”
Patrick said the project was quick and cheap, and Jennifer said the community reaction has been positive.
The city had its own booth set up, and staff were handing out free seeds and plant starts. A wide variety of seed packets were donated by Territorial Seed Company. The assistant to the city manager, Angela Keppler, grew flower and vegetable starts with soil donated by Coast Fork Brewing and Feed Store to give away.
The event had more to offer than your usual farmer’s market. Lisa Linell-Olsen, a volunteer with the Oregon State University Extension Services Master Food Preservers, demonstrated how to test pressure gauges in pressure cookers. Sally Goble, a volunteer with the OSU Extension Services Master Gardener Plant Clinic, helped inform folks about potential plant pests and provided resources for diagnosing infected plants.
“This event was a wonderful example of the city and community coming together to work toward a common goal for the betterment of Creswell,” Martorello said.
