It's not your everyday Farmer's Market!
It it hard to believe for us locals here in Northern Nevada that this year marks the 16th year of the Sparks Hometown Farmer's Market. What started back in 1992 as a small, quiet, farmer's market with 
fresh produce from area farmers and a few vendors selling things like popcorn to soda's turned into a "must attend" venue for hundred's of vendor's and thousands of people each week.
The farmer's market is held in downtown Sparks, Nevada this summer every Thursday evening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. now until August 21, except on August 7th.
Downtown Sparks is considered to be on Victorian Square, just off t Pyramid Way and Interstate 80. You can easily spot the event while driving toward or away from Sparks..
Market attendees are encouraged to ride the farmer's market express shuttle, courtesy of the Regional Transportation Commission and the City of Sparks.
The shuttle runs from Reed High School, at the corner of Baring and Sparks Blvd. and will drop off and pick up at the farmer's market. The shuttle if free and runs every 15 minutes during each farmer's market beginning at 3:30p.m. and ending at 9:30p.m. If you have any questions regarding the shuttle service you can call 775-348-ride. Parking at the high school is also free.
Last night my daughter, Kenna and I decided to take the shuttle to the event and I would like to share a
couple photos of the fresh produce and some of the activities that were happening at last nights Sparks Hometown Farmer's Market.
First, the shuttle service, right on time! We timed it perfectly and didn't have to wait going to or from the market. It saved us so much time and money. There was no driving around looking for a place to park and wasting gas doing so. Already loving the farmers market! (Not loving the close up, scary!)
Each week, attendees are also encouraged to participate in the Farmer's Market recycling program. This week was recycle cell phones and computers! Great, I have an old cell phone my new puppy Wonda chewed on, oops! A different theme is offered on each Thursday as well. Last night was "Let the Rodeo Begin". The 89th Reno Rodeo is in town this week. It is one of the 4 largest rodeos in the country!!
At this farmer's market, there is plenty of fresh produce. Take a look at some of the awesome fruits and vegetables that farmers from Yerington, Fallon, Uba City, Salinas and other Northern Nevada and Northern California farmers have grown and delivered fresh to this weeks market.
We found cherries, peaches, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, green beans, corn, just to name a few of the assortment of vegetables and fruit available. Everything was so fresh, sweet and smelled unbelievable as well. Definitely something for every palette.
Kenna found fresh roasted corn on the cob with butter and seasoning to snack on. We also found fresh squeezed lemonade, a favorite of mine.
Not only can shoppers enjoy fresh fruit and produce, a variety of food and beverage vendors also share the venue on Victorian Square. Unique arts and crafts, an assortment fresh flowers, local businesses offering discounts and giveaways for visiting their booths, a puppeteer and a face painter were entertaining adults and children.
Live music is also an attraction to this event each week. Fresh drinks and dancing really help set the mood. Did I mention this is not your everyday farmer's market?
I also feel should mention, although there is a free shuttle service available, there is plenty of free parking available if you drive. The city has two public parking structures to accommodate up to 900 vehicles and there is also street parking available as well.
Overall, Kenna and I had a great time. We bought some peaches and tomatoes, had snacks, and I didn't have to cook dinner!
The Spark's Hometown Farmer's Market is a great way to spend your Thursday evenings this summer. Bring the family and enjoy all the people and festivities.
There are five other farmers markets in the Reno-Sparks areas that I would like mention as well:
Tuesdays: Shoppers Square at Plums Lane and Virginia Streets, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through Oct. 7th; United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way, Sparks, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through Sept. 16.
Wednesdays: Somersette Towne Square, 7659 Towne Square Way, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. now through Aug.20.
Fridays: Tamarack Junction Casino, 13101 S. Virginia St., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through Oct. 10.
Saturdays: Village Center, California Avenue and Booth Street, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through Oct. 4.
I hope you have a chance to visit one of these great farmers markets or one in your area at least once this summer.
Sincerely,
Copyright 2008 By Terrie Leighton
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