Carson Farmers Market ready to start Saturday

Going into a second year at Mills Park — its 16th year overall — the Carson Farmers Market opens 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

The market will run 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays until Sept. 28. The address is 1111 E. William St.

“Reflecting on last year’s season at Mills Park, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback,” said Breana Coons, owner and manager of the market. “Visitors appreciated the shaded pavilion and scenic park walks, which added charm to their market experience.”

This year, parking remains a challenge due to high turnout and construction on William Street, Coons said, but pointed to more than 250 spaces at the park and added that a walk through the westside offers a “scenic prelude” to the market.

Coons, 36, is a 2005 Dayton High grad who lives in Carson and took over market operations from her grandmother, Linda Marrone. It’s her sixth year helming the market, though she’s been working there for a dozen years.

Coons said she loves supporting local farmers and ranchers.

“First, supporting farmers and ranchers because they’re becoming less and less every year,” she said. “And then, also supporting and giving that business a place to be able to sell when they’re either struggling or need just a little boost in their business. Or to even see if they want to go into a stick building. They’re able to start in a tent and get so many customers that they can become part of Carson City.”

Coons said the market has been growing in turnout and number of vendors. She estimated last year, the turnout was 1,500 to 2,000 people each Saturday at the start of the season. And this year, approximately 67 vendors will be participating including several new faces. Coons highlighted a handful:

“Thrilled to introduce new vendors like Park Ranch, offering ethically-raised meats, and La Tapatia Ice Cream with locally homemade ice cream and pops,” she said. “Nevada Custom Engraving will showcase on-site stone engraving...Black Sage Stained Glass features stunning glass art, and Northern Nevada Wild Yeast brings homemade sourdough bread and treats.”

She also shouted out The Wheyfarer that has specialty cheeses and provides customers a chance to support “small-scale farmers,” and she noted blooms from Three Horse Flower Farm and pies from Sugar Pie for those with a sweet tooth.

Coons described the farmers market as a “vibrant hub to connect with the origins of your food.”

“Meet the artisans, bakers and farmers dedicated to bringing the freshest products to you,” she said.

The Nevada Appeal also will be a vendor this year.

For information, visit www.carsonfarmersmarket.com or follow @CarsonFarmersMarket on social media.