A market fresh blog
Welcome to my first foray into entertainment blogging. This column is going to stand in sharp defiance of all those couch potatoes in Northern Nevada who say there is nothing to do in Washoe County. Every weekend I, Kristin Larsen, will take you on a tour of the activities found in the biggest little city and beyond. So check in regularly. I'll be reporting the sights, sounds and salivation-worthy dishes found at events. If an event doesn't live up to all it's been billed to be, I'll be the first to tell you. If there's a treat not to be missed, I'll point it out.
But, I want to hear about your weekend too. If there's a great hidden spot to go kayaking, tell me. How about a new bar that's got the best martinis in town – I'm all ears. If your band is playing locally, expand your audience by posting it here. Share these gems with your fellow blog readers. We'll also try to get everything into our entertainment calendar. Trust me, it'll improve everyone's weekend.
The Sparks Hometowne Farmers' Market
Now, let's get down to the business of local entertainment. This last Thursday and every Thursday until Aug. 24 Victorian Square will be sectioned off for the Sparks Hometowne Farmers' Market. (Yes, I realize 'Hometowne' has an additional 'e.') It creates a two-block long corridor of stalls vending food, fruit and craft-fair fare. From 4-9 p.m. you'll find fruit and vegetable products, a tasty variety of international food and beverages, arts and crafts, assorted flowers, music and street performances.
Anyone who has experienced the Sparks farmers' market from start to finish realizes fresh fruit is only one reason for its popularity. There's more than a couple of social groups happily intermingling at the market. There are those who are seeking the freshest produce for their snacking delight or rare culinary experiences such as M&M's Fish and Chicken Shack's deep-fried alligator. Some families see it as a great opportunity to stretch their legs in the fresh air while amusing their children with balloon animals or a buoyant adventure on Extreme Air's bungee cord ride. Others like the doodads and baubles found in the craft booths including tie-dye outfits and electroplated leaf-jewelry. Both items come in a surprising array of colors. Many under 21 see it as a great place to meet and mingle with friends and classmates.
As the sun slides down behind the mountains the clientele also tends to shift toward a social scene. The average hemline rises and the eye shadow becomes darker. Many see it as a great, casual place for flirtation and first dates. After all, where else can you buy food, sweets and a fresh bouquet of flowers all within 10 feet of each other? Some individuals get so dressed up for the event that others have jokingly dubbed it the "farmer's meat market."
Interesting people
The Sparks farmer's market attracts a fascinating array of people. It was here I ran into Teddi Nassau (also known as Huggy Bear the clown). She said she's been clowning around for 25 years and she's from the Loony Bin, which is a troupe of clowns entertaining children at the Sparks Hometowne Farmers' Market. I've never received a business card from a clown before, but it would appear Huggy Bear has an impressive array of skills. Not only can she create virtually every animal on Noah's Ark in balloon form (see pictures), she also can play guitar, manipulate puppets and juggle. She's not daunted by corporate parties. She said she taught a couple of semesters of clown class at Truckee Meadows Community College . All in all, not a resume to snub your bright, red nose at.
Whatever one hopes to find at the Sparks farmer's market, the charming atmosphere will probably entice you into a second visit.
But, I want to hear about your weekend too. If there's a great hidden spot to go kayaking, tell me. How about a new bar that's got the best martinis in town – I'm all ears. If your band is playing locally, expand your audience by posting it here. Share these gems with your fellow blog readers. We'll also try to get everything into our entertainment calendar. Trust me, it'll improve everyone's weekend.
The Sparks Hometowne Farmers' Market
Now, let's get down to the business of local entertainment. This last Thursday and every Thursday until Aug. 24 Victorian Square will be sectioned off for the Sparks Hometowne Farmers' Market. (Yes, I realize 'Hometowne' has an additional 'e.') It creates a two-block long corridor of stalls vending food, fruit and craft-fair fare. From 4-9 p.m. you'll find fruit and vegetable products, a tasty variety of international food and beverages, arts and crafts, assorted flowers, music and street performances.
Anyone who has experienced the Sparks farmers' market from start to finish realizes fresh fruit is only one reason for its popularity. There's more than a couple of social groups happily intermingling at the market. There are those who are seeking the freshest produce for their snacking delight or rare culinary experiences such as M&M's Fish and Chicken Shack's deep-fried alligator. Some families see it as a great opportunity to stretch their legs in the fresh air while amusing their children with balloon animals or a buoyant adventure on Extreme Air's bungee cord ride. Others like the doodads and baubles found in the craft booths including tie-dye outfits and electroplated leaf-jewelry. Both items come in a surprising array of colors. Many under 21 see it as a great place to meet and mingle with friends and classmates.
As the sun slides down behind the mountains the clientele also tends to shift toward a social scene. The average hemline rises and the eye shadow becomes darker. Many see it as a great, casual place for flirtation and first dates. After all, where else can you buy food, sweets and a fresh bouquet of flowers all within 10 feet of each other? Some individuals get so dressed up for the event that others have jokingly dubbed it the "farmer's meat market."
Interesting people
The Sparks farmer's market attracts a fascinating array of people. It was here I ran into Teddi Nassau (also known as Huggy Bear the clown). She said she's been clowning around for 25 years and she's from the Loony Bin, which is a troupe of clowns entertaining children at the Sparks Hometowne Farmers' Market. I've never received a business card from a clown before, but it would appear Huggy Bear has an impressive array of skills. Not only can she create virtually every animal on Noah's Ark in balloon form (see pictures), she also can play guitar, manipulate puppets and juggle. She's not daunted by corporate parties. She said she taught a couple of semesters of clown class at Truckee Meadows Community College . All in all, not a resume to snub your bright, red nose at.
Whatever one hopes to find at the Sparks farmer's market, the charming atmosphere will probably entice you into a second visit.
posted by Kristin Larsen at
3:02 PM
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