From 13 vendors on its opening day in 1992, the Portland Farmers Market has grown to 250 vendors at six markets around town, with the main Saturday market held at the Portland State University campus. Vendors include a wide range of producers, such as Ancient Heritage Dairy (sheep’s-milk cheese), Blue Heron Herbary (350 varieties of herbs), Kiyokawa Orchards (apples, pears, cherries, and berries), and Unbound Pickling (for all things pickled).

Launched by three Portland activists with a goal of bringing fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and more to the city’s residents, the farmers’ market now also hosts programs to provide greater access for seniors, low-income, and other underserved residents. Local chefs come to the market to cook and do demos, and there are cooking classes for kids.

Some locals claim the farmers’ market is one of the reasons they live in Portland. That’s what we call devoted fans.