Summer nights in Sparks have some of the most comfortable temperatures in the area. But as the 16th annual Farmer's Market starts Thursday, an enforced curfew will cut some of those nights short.

As of last summer, the Sparks Police Department enforced a curfew of 9 p.m. It was put in place to monitor crowds at the first event of the summer season, Farmer's Market.

Nearly 24 officers on foot and four officers on horseback will be present at Farmer's Market, taking extra precautions for crowd control.

Sparks Police Department Lt. Chad Hawkins said he feels the curfew is necessary, as crime incidents were reduced last year.

"The curfew has had a big impact on patrol," Hawkins said. "In the past, we have been very busy dealing with fights and disturbances lasting until very early morning hours. Last year, it was minimal."

Many of the officers on patrol for Farmer's Market are working overtime, averaging 16 or 17 hour shifts, Hawkins said and the curfew is a relief for them.

Hawkins, who explained the recent budget cuts issued from the city council will not be affecting the amount of officers, said that their number one concern is targeting underage drinking and other alcohol related issues.

"Obviously, alcohol is our focus," Hawkins said, "because as people start drinking, things start happening. We will stay around until the crowd dissipates to make sure everyone is safe."

Local business owners located on Victorian Square, where Farmer's Market runs have responded with mixed sentiments toward the enforced curfew.

Donna Santangello, co-owner of Tizzy Lish gift shop toward the east end of the Farmer's Market stretch, said she looks forward to the business the event brings, but feels the enforced curfew is unnecessarily hostile toward visitors.

"I don't agree with it," Santangello said. "If you can't control the crowd in the first place, don't have a farmer's market."

Justin Quinton, owner of Cantina Los Tres Hombres on Victorian Avenue, said he understands the enfcorcement of the curfew, especially for the amount of people that the Cantina and other nearby bars draw.

"I can see how the crowd may get out of control," Quinton said. "It's definitely a safety issue."

And as budget concerns have not affected the amount of officers patrolling the event, budget cuts have not affected the event either, said Greg von Schottenstein, City of Sparks special events coordinator.

Vendor and sponsor fees have not experienced any increases due to budget cuts either, Schottenstein said.

Over 100 vendors and sponsors are expected at this year's 10-week long event, with free shuttle services offered courtesy of RTC RIDE. Rides will run every 15 minutes from Reed High School to the RTC Citistation on C Street. The last shuttle service will leave at 9:30 p.m. due to the curfew.

Quick facts about Farmer's Market:

• Farmers Market will be held every Thursday from June 12 to Aug. 21 from Pyramid Way to 12th Street along Victorian Avenue.

• Hours are from 4 to 9 p.m. every Thursday, except for August 7, which it will not be held due to Hot August Nights.

• RTC shuttle rides will begin at 3:30 at the parking lot at Reed High School. Rides will run every 15 minutes until the last shuttle from the RTC Citistation on C Street at 9:30 p.m.

• Farmers Market will be packed full of family fun with arts and crafts, fresh produce vendors and live entertainment.

• Weekly themes including rodeo, New Orleans gumbo and Italian inspired motifs.

• Open mic and singing contests will be held, with special cooking demonstrations from Chef Joe.

• Best Buy will offer a recycling program with a different posted recyclable item every week. Best Buy will also provide weekly demonstrations for energy efficient products.

• For more information on farmers market, call 353-2291.