Portlanders celebrate the start of a rainy spring at the first outdoor farmers market

For Austin Chad, the first outdoor farmers market of the season is always something he looks forward to.

“The outdoor market is always much busier than in the winter,” said Chad, owner of Green Spark Farm in Cape Elizabeth. “Everyone loves this park, so it’s a lot of fun to come here.”

It was drizzling and the temperature was 47 degrees, but many customers stopped by Chad’s tent at the Portland Farmers Market in Deering Oaks on Saturday.

The market is held indoors at the former Maine Girls’ High School during the winter, and Saturday was the first outdoor market of the year.

Some people stayed home because of the weather. The city postponed an Earth Day celebration scheduled for Saturday at Payson Park, which was scheduled to be held Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

But others enthusiastically welcomed the start of a spring tradition at the farmers market.

Falmouth resident Danielle Trout said as her two daughters, Darcy, 5, and Margot, 3, splashed in a nearby puddle. “We want to see what the farmers and everyone have. They’re excited. We’ve been talking about it all week.”

Market vendors set up rich tables filled with leafy greens, pickled vegetables, herbs, and prepared foods such as soups and hummus.

“It’s OK,” said Kelby Young, owner of Old Haven Farm in Chelsea. “I think the believers are going to come out. People are excited. This is a long-standing tradition and it’s great to have the community come out and support us, even if it’s raining.” .”

Darcy Trout, 5, jumps into a puddle with her sister Margot, 3, during the opening day of the Portland Farmers Market in Deering Oaks on Saturday. The outdoor farmers market, a sure sign of spring weather, started about a week earlier than usual. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

Young said he is looking forward to spring coming to the farm. The mild, wet winter was not very good for his animals.

“In fact, having a winter like this is even tougher on crops and livestock,” Young said. He said the wet weather made it difficult to keep the barn dry, causing respiratory problems for the animals he kept. Floods in central Maine also washed away many roads, making it difficult to access the forests where the pigs are managed.

“It’s been a strange winter,” he said. “We’re trying to adjust.”

Beth Schiller, owner of Dandelion Spring Farm, is stocking up on eggs to sell at the Portland Farmers Market in Deering Oaks on Saturday. Briana Soukup/Staff Photographer

Beth Schiller, owner of Dandelion Spring Farm in Bowdoinham, said she was grateful to people who came to the market despite the weather. “Our customers are very loyal,” Schiller said. “I think this is the earliest the market will move outdoors. We recognize that it’s not the most comfortable climate to buy food outdoors.”

Wearing rain pants and a winter hat, Schiller was selling eggs, kale, green onions, parsley, black bean wheat berry soup, and garlic-flavored carrot soup. Another table had fresh rosemary, thyme, peppermint and oregano.

“Fresh herbs are really great right now, both from greenhouses and those that have been overwintered outside,” Schiller says.

Syrah does not sell at the indoor market, but has been coming to the outdoor market for 16 years. “Generally, it’s always nice to go back to the park,” she said.

Mel Jordan carries a tote bag filled with vegetables during the opening day of the Portland Farmers Market in Deering Oaks on Saturday. Brianna Soukup/Staff Photographer

Mel Jordan of Munjoy Hill packed two large bags with Swiss chard, fresh garlic, rosemary, sourdough bread, 4 pounds of beef and spinach for ragu and soups. Once the weather gets nicer, she said she wants to garden and spend more time outside.

But even if it keeps raining, Jordan is still on the market.

“Weather doesn’t stop you from going to the farmers market,” she said with a laugh.

” previous