From Market to Community

On summer Saturdays, crowds flocked to the Northwest Crossing Farmers Market. Credit: Melissa King

Food, jewelry, crafts and fresh produce are just a few of the many offerings at local farmers markets in Central Oregon, giving small businesses a chance to introduce or promote their brand within a community. Local makers and crafters pull in thousands of people all summer long to the beloved Northwest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market to browse around 160 vendors in the summer months.

“I think it’s a really good place for people to get their start,” said Melissa King, NW Crossing Market director. “It’s unlike any other platform. You have intentional shoppers that are coming for certain products and really have that desire to shop local.”

While some local markets specialize in certain items, like fresh produce or vintage wears, NWX’s Market is known to have a wide variety, said King. The NWX Market’s range of items, and eclectic nature, she said, brings in all sorts of people.

According to King, the market is a great launch-pad for businesses to grow within Central Oregon and beyond – something she has seen happen frequently through the years.

King mentioned a number of businesses she’s seen at the markets that have grown – businesses like Altitude Beverages, Smith Rock Nut Roasters, Blissful Spoon and Boujee Bacon.

Mat Kline was a chef for 20 years before starting his flavor-infused bacon business. Kline started on Instagram, then began bringing the bacon to farmers markets, letting people experience the flavors.

“That changed everything. We went from selling 40 packs to selling, like, 90 packs in a weekend,” Kline told the Source Weekly.

Today, it’s in Bend stores like Newport Market, Local Acres, Wild Petals and more.

“I just love our vendors and a lot of them have done really well over the years,” said King.

While King said that the market typically sees a lot of returning vendors each year, they always welcome new people to join. Local business owners are able to sign up for a whole season, half a season or just for a test run.

Registration for the 2025 summer market is currently open and people can sign up on social media or online.

“[The Bend Community] is extremely welcoming. People want to shop local. People want to buy fresh. Every week, people come out and shop away at the market. It’s wonderful to see,” said King.

This article appears in Source Weekly November 21, 2024.