By: Zoe Strickland Managing Editor
Every Saturday from April to November, you can find a community of vendors in downtown Independence.
These vendors are either part of the Independence Farmers’ Market, located in the parking lot of Umpqua Bank, or the Independence Riverview Market, which is held in the Riverview Park Amphitheatre. The Independence Farmers’ Market has been around since 1993, with the Riverview Market joining the vending scene in 2012.
The Independence Farmers’ Market has a variety of vendors selling everything from homemade cat toys to produce. Both markets also have masseuse tents set up.
“It goes up and down. The most we’ve ever had is 15, and I think now we’re down to, like, 12,” said Marti Sohn, owner of TDM Acres, when asked about the size of the Independence Farmers’ Market. Sohn has been a vendor at the market since 1998.
While walking through the market, it’s apparent that there’s an encompassing sense of community within the vendors.
“I just … I love this atmosphere. All the vendors are real people. There’s nothing phony about a farmer’s market; it’s a good place,” said Cheryl Gaston, owner of Cheryl’s Cottage Bakery, who has been a vendor at the Independence Farmers’ Market for two years.
The same customers tend to visit the markets every week.
“I have some fans now,” said Gaston.
“Best challah bread around, makes the best french toast ever!” interjected a passerby.
“That’s my favorite part. I mean, people like what I do. You can’t beat that,” continued Gaston.
The Independence Riverview Market had an equal number of vendors, but a more independent atmosphere. The vendors were primarily selling homemade goods, with only two stands selling produce.
“For us, our farm is five minutes away. So being able to connect directly with the people that our produce and meats are feeding is amazing,” said Malinda Bermudez, of Bermudez Family Farm. “I like being able to educate people on where their food is coming from, and a lot of people really appreciate that connection … it’s very rewarding,”
The best piece of advice that the vendors had to offer? Sohn suggested that college students should just “come on down.”
Contact the author at journalmanaging@wou.edu.
