Last year was the busiest and most profitable one yet for the resurgent Canby Farmers Market — and organizer Alexis Purcell is hoping the trend continues in 2022.
Purcell, who also owns and operates Urban Cowgirl Trading Company and heads the Wilsonville Farmers Market and a pop-up market at Swan Island Dahlias in August and September, is in her fourth year at the helm of downtown Canby’s open-air street market. The Saturday event has seen annual increases in foot traffic and vendors in each of the past three years.
The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 certainly didn’t hurt, as the market was one outlet that could continue to operate more or less as normal at a time when restaurants, retail stores and events were canceled or severely limited.
But the upward trend continued last year, even after most restrictions had been loosened or removed altogether. The market’s two-day July Fourth special drew a crowd that was estimated to be three times larger than the event’s previous record.
“Last year was phenomenal — our best year yet,” Purcell told The Canby Current. “People have been really loving the chance to get out and support local farmers, crafters and vendors.”
The market will continue at the same location as the past couple of years: on North Holly Street between 2nd and 4th Avenue. That puts them adjacent to Gwynn’s Coffeehouse, Wait Park and the forthcoming Canby Beer Library — which is expected to open at the former Canby Public Library location on North Holly this summer.
The market offers finds for young and old alike, from freshly picked produce and gourmet food to unique, handcrafted gifts and accessories. Purcell said the market currently has 35 vendors on board, and she expects that list to continue to grow as April 23 — opening day — draws near.
The lineup will include Good News BBQ, Claudia’s Tamales, Kona Ice, Rutz Family Farm, Red Chair Farm and many more returning favorites and newcomers. The market also features live music.
The market will run every Saturday throughout the spring and summer starting on April 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the market’s Facebook page, or to inquire about being a vendor, call Purcell at 503-449-4611.
The Wilsonville Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from June 18 to September 29, 4 to 8 p.m. at Sofia Park. The Swan Island Dahlias Farmers Market will be held every Sunday in August and September, along with Labor Day: Monday, September 5.
