It’s that time of year when farmers come to market their produce and local products – the time when fresh local fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, hand-made foods and goods can be acquired on an almost daily basis. It’s summer time, which means farmers’ markets time.
Nevada farmers come to market in August. The social impact of farmers’ markets is greater than most understand because there is no agenda and no shopping list. People see old friends and make new friends at markets. Shopping at a farmers’ market is a different type of shopping because it’s a social atmosphere. Even in this economy, people come to farmers’ markets.
Here’s a list by day of nearly every farmers’ market that operates in the area.
TUESDAYS
Reno: Shoppers Square (corner of Plumb Lane and South Virginia Street) from 8am-1pm (June 8 – Oct. 5). Good senior markets. Senior nutrition program. $30 booklets to low-income seniors who qualify. Hispanic. Details: 746-5024, crystlbrdg@hotmail.com.
Sparks: United Methodist Church (1231 Pyramid Way) from 8am-1pm (June 1 – Sept. 14).
WEDNESDAYS
Reno: Somersett Towne Square (7650 Town Square Way) from 4-8pm (June 16 – Aug. 25). This fun, family-friendly market has easy parking, about 30 rotating vendors (most of which are local), face painting for kids, and live entertainment from 5-8pm.
Carson City: Pony Express Pavilion (Located in Mills Park at 1111 East William Street) from 3-7pm (June 9 – Aug. 25).
THURSDAYS
Sparks: Sparks Hometown Farmers’ Market (Victorian Avenue) from 4-9pm (June 10 – Aug. 19 except on Aug. 5 because of Hot August Nights). In addition to fruits and vegetables, enjoy ready-to-eat foods, drinks, arts and crafts, a fun zone for kids, music performances and karaoke.
Virginia City: Miners Park (next to the Senior Center) from 3-6pm (June 10 – Oct. 10). Details: Jeannie Gribbin, 847-9533.
FRIDAYS
Reno: Tamarack Junction Casino (13101 S. Virginia St.) from 8am-1pm (June 11 – Oct. 8). Neighborhood market that is big enough but not too big.
SATURDAYS
Reno: California Avenue Market (Reno Village Shopping Center at California Avenue and Booth Street) from 8am-1pm (June 5 – Oct. 2).
Reno: Sierra Summit Shopping Mall (corner of South Virginia Street and Mt. Rose Highway) from 9am-1pm (June 12 – Sept. 11).
Carson City: Saturday Morning Farmers’ Market (in the Third and Curry streets parking lot) from 9am-1pm (June 19 – Sept.18).
SUNDAYS
Reno: West Street Market (downtown Reno on West Street between First and Second streets) from 9am-1pm (June 27 – Sept. 18). Details: 334-2077.
Reno: The Grove at South Creek (95 Foothill Road at South Virginia Street) from 9am-1pm (June 6 – Sept. 5). Beignets, mimosas, music, and kids’ activities.
RP Tip: For a more comprehensive list that includes markets in northern Nevada and California, please visit Edible Reno-Tahoe Magazine online at EdibleRenoTahoe.com and click on the 2010 FARMERS’ MARKET SCHEDULE link under the Resources tab.