Article by Chris Finn
Photos by Julie Kiil
After a long spell of rainy Saturdays, the Oakmont Certified Farmer’s Market welcomed the sunshine in early June with a flurry of vendors and customers enjoying themselves. This local market, managed by Hilda Swartz, has been held in the Oakmont Wells Fargo Bank Parking lot on Saturday mornings, 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, since the mid-1990s.
One of the original vendors is Ortiz Family Farms. The farm is headed by Eric Ortiz, who started attending the Oakmont market as a baby when his father brought their farm’s locally grown produce. Years later, Eric continues the tradition by sharing his family farm’s local produce with Oakmont shoppers.
Because of the certified status of this farmer’s market, shoppers can trust that the farmer handing them their produce was the one who grew their food. Like the produce from Ortiz Family Farms, all the produce sold at the Oakmont Certified Farmer’s Market has been grown locally and without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
In addition to produce stands, the farmer’s market has a variety of other offerings, including woodworker items, fabric creations, jewelry, coffee, baked goods, Korean/Hawaiian food, flowers, honey and more.
“I love the Oakmont market,” Emily Nelson said, enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee from Daniel Harting of Flight Roasting Company. “It’s nice to have something so close to home where I can find delicious coffee.”
“I like knowing the people who grow my vegetables,” Linda Suhr said as she filled a shopping bag at Wheeler’s Produce stand. With her was Margaret Hein, who said she comes every week.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” said Hein.
This community market gathers each week on Saturdays with offerings of local produce, fresh food, coffee, crafts and live music, right here in Oakmont. We are so fortunate to have this weekly opportunity to support local and enjoy the camaraderie of our neighbors.