SPARKS – Area growers are ready to roll out their wares starting today as local farmers markets begin to open up in northern Nevada. The first market to open will be at the Sparks United Methodist Church on Pyramid Way. Other markets in Reno will open the following week with the Sparks Hometowne Farmers Market kicking off June 10.

The Sparks event, one of the largest in northern Nevada, attracts about 120 vendors along with crowds that can reach 15,000 on any given Thursday night, according to Sparks city staff estimates.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that farmers markets across the nation have grown in both size and stature. Between 2008 and 2009, the number of certified farmers markets grew 13 percent, according to the USDA. In 1994, when the USDA started tracking the markets, 1,755 markets were in operation nationwide. In 2009, the USDA was able to identify 5,274 farmers markets nationwide.

Local Farmers Markets opening in June:

Tuesdays, 8am-1pm, June 1-Sep 14 
United Methodist Church, 1231 Pyramid Way

Tuesdays, 8am-1pm, June 8-Oct 5
Shoppers Square

Wednesdays, 4-8pm, June 16–Aug 25  
Somersett Town Square, 7650 Town Square Way 
 www.mysomersett.com

Thursdays, 4-9pm, June 10-Aug 19 (no market Aug 5) 
Sparks Hometowne Farmers Market 
Victorian Avenue in downtown Sparks 

Fridays, 8am-1pm, June 11-Oct 8
Tamarack Junction Casino


Saturdays, 8am-1pm, June 5-Oct 2
California and Booth Streets

Saturdays, 9am-1pm, June 12-Sep 11
Sierra Summit Shopping Center

Sundays, 9am-1pm, June 6-Sep 5 
The Grove at South Creek, 95 Foothill Road


Sundays, 9am-1pm, June 13-Sep 12
West Street, Downtown Reno