Jun 4 2009
Sparks Hometowne Farmer's Market is the largest, and I think most fun, farmer's market in the Reno / Tahoe area. Besides the tasty fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of other things go on, like a fun zone for kids, street and stage performances, and involvement by various community groups. You'll also find a variety of vendors offering ready-to-eat foods, drinks, services of various kinds, and arts and crafts. The Sparks Hometowne Farmer's Market is lots of fun and an ideal activity for families with children.
About the Sparks Hometowne Farmer's Market
The Sparks Hometowne Farmer's Market is holding its 17th season in 2009. It takes up the entire area of Victorian Square in Sparks on summer Thursdays, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Opening day is June 11, with the market repeating every Thursday through August 20. The only exception is August 6, when Hot August Nights takes over Victorian Square.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.
To help keep it interesting and fun, each week of the Sparks Hometowne Farmer's Market sports a special theme...
- June 11 - It's Summertime! Start it with local produce and crafts.
- June 18 - Round 'em up…it’s the Reno Rodeo.
- June 25 - Make it Cajun Style. Bring the tastes of the south straight to your table.
- July 2 - Start the grill…It's time for an Independence Day barbeque.
- July 9 - Soup d'jour…homemade ingredients & how to store it for winter.
- July 16 - It's a family affair. Bring everyone out for a fun night…except the pet.
- July 23 - Support local growers! Just look for "Nevada Grown."
- July 30 - Gearing up for a wild week. Hot August Nights – let the celebration begin.
- August 13 - Tour de France…enjoy the beauty of the fine cuisine.
- August 20 - Read for some ribs? One more week.
Attending the Sparks Hometowne Farmer's Market
Victorian Square between Pyramid Way & 14th Street, on the north side of I80 and next to the twin towers of John Ascuaga's Nugget Hotel Casino. There is an adjacent parking lot and parking structure. Up to 15,000 people attend each Thursday, so if you don't get there fairly early, parking will be a hassle. A better way to attend might be on an RTC RIDE bus, getting off a block from the market at the Centennial Plaza terminal. The free shuttle service from Reed High School previously offered has been discontinued, another victim of budget shrinkage.Admission to the Sparks 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.
Sources: City of Sparks website and press release.
