Checking In With Nathan Hart, The Watermelon Man

watermelon-man-truck-portland-oregon

I was on a walk this morning and and decided to stop by Nathan Hart’s truck filled with watermelons. Mr. Hart goes by the moniker, “The Watermelon Man” (it’s on his business card) because he brings delicious Hermiston watermelons to the city and sells them during the summers. From what I can tell, he’s done this for a number of years. His location sometimes changes, and this year he’s parked at the northwest corner of Prescott and 72nd Avenue. Last year he was over on 82nd Ave near NE Alberta.

I enjoyed our chat—he’s a really nice, personable guy that has become beloved among folks in the neighborhood. “The community has really embraced me,” he said. As an example, he told me a story about a little girl in the neighborhood who gets really excited when she sees him and his truck—“It’s the watermelon man, the watermelon man!” she cries. I mean, how adorable is that?

I noticed on his truck signs indicating that he sells seeded watermelons, seedless watermelons, cantaloupe, and corn. “Of course, that changes as the season changes,” he explained. You can stop by his truck on Mondays to Saturdays until Labor Day; he’s off on Sundays. You can call ahead to order watermelons at 503-756-1257, or just stop on by. He’s a great conversationalist. And his watermelons are fantastic. I’m glad he’s here.