CRESWELL – Creswell is reinvigorating the farmers market scene in town with a Farm to Table Event kicking off this weekend.
On May 9, folks can find farm fresh food, booths from local vendors, food carts, music, and demonstrations outside City Hall in the east parking lot from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In partnership with Creswell Clubhouse, the Creswell Library, and the Creswell Chamber of Commerce, the City created and is managing the market after an attempt to collaborate with the South Valley Farmer’s Market (SVFM) in Cottage Grove did not go as planned.
City manager Vincent Martorello said the initial goal was to coordinate an event that would serve as a kickoff for the SVFM in Creswell this summer. However, SVFM does not currently have the capacity to host a Creswell-based market as originally envisioned. SVFM shared its vendor list to support the city’s efforts.
“I am excited for the revival of the farmer’s market and for the opportunity to help our community reconnect with the incredible local farms around us,” Martorello said.
He said a major goal of this initiative is to build awareness of the abundance of local and organic food resources available in and around Creswell. Beyond promoting local agriculture, the aim is to provide education on preparing, preserving, and sustaining fresh produce and meats.
“By sharing these skills, we hope to support greater community self‑reliance and help families access healthy, home-prepared meals,” he said.
A committee was formed to prepare for the Farm to Table Event, and local farmers, horticulturalists, and Oregon State University Extension Services, like the Master Gardener and Master Preservers, were contacted. The committee was able to secure 11 vendors for the opening event.
Library director Nick Caum said the Farm to Table Event aligns with the library’s goal of serving as a community hub, plus, the Friends of the Creswell Library Spring Book Sale is going on at the same time, so folks might be enticed to check it out. The youth librarian, Lindsey Quigley-Johnson, will be hosting a craft and promoting the upcoming Summer Reading Program.
“I’m really looking forward to coming with my own family and checking out all the awesome places in and around Creswell,” Caum said.
Some of the vendors folks can see include Kimbrough Farm Stand, Funny Little Farm Stand, Good Food Easy, Row River Bakery, and Poppy’s and Posies. Martorello said the vendors organically farm and support local ingredients and resources like farmers and butchers.
The ultimate plan is to launch a monthly market held on the third Tuesday of each month from June through October from 4 to 7 p.m.
“We are fortunate to have an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce in the Creswell area, and I want Creswellians to know what’s available and how they can access the harvest,” Martorello said. “This market is a chance to celebrate our local growers and strengthen the connection between our community and the food grown right here at home.”
