Help Us Bring Back the Farmers Market in 2024!
Dear Friend,
2023 has been another milestone year for Friends of Woodfords Corner. Thanks to the support of the community, we’ve been able to do more this year than ever before. We are proud to have continued initiatives — not to mention expanded programs and kickstarted new ones — that serve our community, showcase our neighborhood, and make our special corner of Portland all the better for our residents, businesses, and visitors.
This summer, we launched the Woodfords Corner Farmers Market. With the leadership of our board president, two talented and passionate USM Muskie School Graduate Assistants, and hundreds of hours of volunteer manpower, the weekly market proved to be a huge success and filled a gap in neighborhood access to locally grown and sourced produce, meat, and other goods. In addition, the market provided a welcome opportunity for neighbors to gather and enjoy music, good food, and great company. After a 19-week inaugural season, the feedback was resounding: the Farmers Market should be a mainstay of Woodfords Corner.
This year-end, we aim to raise $15,000 so that we can bring the Woodfords Corner Farmers Market back for the 2024 season! The Farmers Market was a huge lift for FWC, beginning back in late 2022 when we began conceptualizing what the market could be. Just like with any startup effort, the first season of the market required a huge investment of time and resources from our board and volunteers. To make the Farmers Market a sustainable and even more impactful program we need your support! With your gift this year-end you will help us to:
Hire a part-time Farmers Market Manager who will oversee all market operations;
Purchase additional market infrastructure like tents, tables, and better signage;
Develop enhancements to the market that make it an even more welcoming weekly community gathering;
Maintain and expand FWC’s efforts to keep area residents informed about Market services, vendors, and activities;
Focus volunteer efforts on utilizing the market to showcase other Corner retailers, restaurants, and grocers;
Free up FWC leadership to continue the momentum and expand our many other programs and initiatives that help make Woodfords Corner a place we all love!
Your year-end donation will enable FWC to establish a successful Farmers Market operations model and devote more time to expanding the initiatives we all appreciate, like advocating for safer biking and walking conditions, hosting community events like the Garden Tour and Oddfellows Bazaar, showcasing area businesses, keeping our community informed of local happenings, making enhancements to our streetscape, raising funds to get more bike racks installed, and so much more.
Like you, we have chosen to establish our roots in the Woodfords Corner area. This special part of Portland has so much potential to be a thriving village hub for all of us living and working here — accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and flourishing with diverse markets, restaurants, businesses, nonprofits, public spaces, and an awesome seasonal Farmers Market. It can be the go-to place where we all enjoy gathering with friends, and the pride of all the surrounding neighborhoods.
Join your neighbors who want to see the Woodfords Corner Farmers Market back for a 2024 season: make a year-end donation to FWC to help us keep the market going for years to come!
With gratitude,
The Friends of Woodfords Corner Board of Directors