Linda Marrone: Keep supporting locals after market’s end Saturday

Saturday is the last market of the season for the 3rd & Curry St. Farmers Market. We’ve had a pretty good year. Picked up a few more Nevada farmers, some new non-profits and only a few problems that come with running a successful market. Oh, and don’t forget the smoke.

For the third year in a row the market placed first in the American Farmlands Trust for the best market in Nevada, and we were 15th in the U.S.

The market comes together each Saturday to serve our community. The makeup of our shoppers is as diverse as that of our vendors. This year we had local fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, meat, honey, flowers and herbs. Jim, our fresh-fish vendor from Tahoe, sells out almost every week. Victor’s Salsa was a great addition to the market this year.

Many people come for the camaraderie and have a cup of coffee from Comma Coffee and a Danish from LA Bakery. Others come because they enjoy the music. We have a few people who dance, and Chris Bayer and Mr. Spoons never fail to get the kids involved.

It takes a lot of committed people to make the market the success it is, and as the market manager I’m just one spoke in the wheel. We couldn’t do it without the support from the city manager, Board of Supervisors, volunteers from the Sheriff’s Office who help with parking enforcement, and Office of Business Development. Lee, Lena and Sabrina are my new best friends. Kenny from Parks and Recreation is always there to help if problems come up. Our neighboring businesses lend a hand if we need anything and put up with the congestion the market brings. Also, a big thank-you to everyone who supports the market and our outstanding vendors.

Going to have withdrawals after the market ends? Here are a few suggestions:

A Vintage & Harvest Faire is set for Saturday, Oct. 5, in the parking lot behind Due Sorella from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hungry Mother Organics will be open weekends through October.

If you are in Reno, Great Basin Co-op is a good choice for local everything. You can sign up for a fall and winter community-supported agriculture basket. The CSA through Lattin Farms is a great choice. You can find the info on the NevadaGrown website under CSAs.

Adam, the Knife Smith, plans to come from his new home in Montana to sharpen knives at the market this week. People have been asking when he is coming.

The recipe for this week isn’t really a recipe but just a little advice. It’s not too late to do some last-minute canning. I’ve been trying to stock up for winter. Get your olive oil, honey, jams, soaps, lotions, etc. It’s not too early to think about the “C” word and get some gifts that people will really appreciate. Give a jar of honey with some nice tea. They also have great candles. Get your flavored olive oils to last you through the winter.

A good bread dipped in olive oil and balsamic is a wonderful treat in winter. I miss Rebecca’s candy after the market closes, but you still buy it at YoGo’s on Retail Way. Make a point to stop by Butler Meats throughout winter and spring. Everything they sample at the market they carry in their store, and much more. Their soups-to-go are “fast food” at its best. I’d like everyone to keep supporting our farmers and businesses when the market ends.

Linda Marrone is a longtime Carson resident, manages the 3rd & Curry Street Farmers Market and is director of Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association.