The Sparks Hometowne Farmer's Market is now known as the Whole Foods Hometowne Farmer's Market, thanks to the City of Sparks teaming up with Whole Foods Market as the title sponsor of the event. The idea is to return the market to its original focus of being a place for families to come have a fun afternoon and enjoy indulging in fresh fruits and vegetables. There are a few other changes, so read on.
About the Sparks Whole Foods Hometowne Farmer's Market
The 2011 Whole Foods Hometowne Farmer's Market will be the 19th season of this popular event. The market will be in the Victorian Square Plaza, a new location between Victorian Avenue and the Century Theaters. This eliminates the hassle and expense of closing Victorian Avenue to traffic every week. The market will be on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (the previous closing was 9 p.m.). Opening day is June 9, with the market repeating every Thursday through August 18. There will be no market on August 11 due to Hot August Nights, which will take over Victorian Square from August 9 to 14.
If you want to get real local, look for the "Nevada Grown" sign on produce vendor booths, which will ensure you are buying food from nearby Nevada locations like Fallon, Yerington, and even Reno. Our northern California neighbors are also well represented, particularly with fruits, berries, and vegetables more suited to their milder climate.
Growers signed up include...
- Amber Oaks Raspberries
- D&K Ranch
- Dwelley Farms
- Fruit Factory
- Hidden Valley Honey
- K&J Orchards
- Lattin Farms
- Minton Family Farms
- Paine Orchards
- Rodriguez Farms
- V&M Farms
- Workman Farms
You'll be also be able to get prepared food and goodies from vendors like BJ's Nevada Barbeque Co., Goodie's Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Hillbilly Kettle Korn, Koko's Teriyaki, and Sierra Swirl.
Entertainment at the Sparks Whole Foods Hometowne Farmer's Market
There will be free entertainment every week on the Whole Foods Market stage from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Acts will include bands, dancers, and soloists. To help keep the kids happy, a special fun area will be available just for them.
Attending the Sparks Whole Foods Hometowne Farmer's Market
Victorian Square Plaza is between Pyramid Way & 14th Street, on the north side of I80 and by the water fountain and Century Theaters. The twin towers of John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel Casino are nearby. There are adjacent parking lots and parking structures on C Street. Thousands of people attend each Thursday, so if you don't get there fairly early, parking will be a hassle. A way to get there without a car is by taking the RTC RIDE bus to Centennial Plaza station next to Victorian Square.
Note: The shuttle service described below has been discontinued for this season. Reasons cited are low ridership and the availability of ample parking near the market site in Victorian Square Plaza.
The City of Sparks and the Legends at Sparks Marina will be providing a free shuttle service from Legends to the Farmer's Market. You can park in Legends parking lots and hop the shuttle at the stop located between The Gap and Banana Republic. The shuttle will run approximately every half hour starting at 4:30 p.m. The last shuttle will depart from the Sparks Municipal Courthouse back to Legends at 8:30 p.m.
Admission to the Sparks Whole Foods Hometowne Farmer's Market is free. Look for the yellow recycling bins to dispose of #1 and #2 recyclable plastic bottles. A few items are not allowed - glass containers, alcohol, and pets. For more information, call (775) 353-2291.
Thursday Nights on the Square
Victorian Square businesses will be presenting a option for fun and live entertainment on Thursday nights, next to but not dependent on the Farmer's Market. Thursday Nights on the Square will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the same dates, along the corridor running from Cantina Los Tres Hombres east to the Great Basin Brewing Company. Participating businesses include The Alley, Cantina Los Tres Hombres, Great Basin Brewing Company, Paddy & Irene's Irish Pub, and The Victorian Saloon. Event news says there will be two live bands performing each Thursday night, plus a variety of vendors offering food, clothing, crafts and other wares. Vendor space is available on a first come, first serve basis by calling (775) 788-2131 x115.
Sources: City of Sparks, Reno Gazette-Journal, the Bauserman Group.
