Adam RasmussenChannel 2 News
Summer is quickly approaching, and that means local farmers markets are starting up.
From South Reno to Midtown and Sparks, there's plenty to choose from. Thursday the Whole Foods Sparks Farmers' Market kicked off.
The delicious display of fruit and vegetables is what keeps people coming back year after year. "The strawberries. And all the fresh fruit," says Veronica Briggs.
People of all ages flocked to Victorian Square. "He likes to sample all the fruit," said Tom Humiston, sitting next to his grandson. "That's what we do is sample, sample, sample."
Even some tourists couldn't resist, like a couple from southern California we ran into enjoying the last day of their vacation. "It was colder than heck when we first got here, but it's nice now and we enjoy it," says Don Huber. "I can see they're doing a lot in this town."
One thing is for sure, organizers are making this event bigger. They've added cooking demonstrations and invited local gourmet food trucks to join in on the action. Organizers expect thousands to show up every Thursday night.
"Today is perfect," says Missy Hinton with John Ascuaga's Nugget. "It's what in the 80s? A little windy, but that's ok, we're holding it all down."
Of course, food lovers keep coming back for more each year and so do the vendors. Rick Lattin owns Lattin Farms in Fallon, and he's been selling produce at this event for two decades.
In that time, he's seen a large increase in folks wanting to buy fresh, local food. "Our farm is certified organic," says Lattin. "And we see there's a greater demand for organic food also."
By 6 p.m. there wasn't much left to buy. Lattin says his food flies off the tables because of it's great reputation.
"We have people come and ask for some of our things by name. They're used to what we grow and what we sell. And this just gives them a chance to buy local."
Thursday's market ran from 3 to 8 p.m. If you didn't make it, you still have plenty of chances. It returns every Thursday night until late August.
