Farmers Market kicks off Friday

Today kicks off the recently opened Food Hub’s first farmers market season with the event running from 4-7 p.m. on East Center Street.

Food Hub Fridays will offer locally grown specialty crops, which are organic vegetables, fruit, tree nuts, honey, culinary herbs and spices and medicinal plants plus nursery crops and more. There will be other items from participating artisans and craftsmen.

The market committee also plans to feature live music and entertainment, a car show and food from any restaurants or food trucks.

“It’s always nice to meet the people who grow your food,” said Jo Petteruti, Food Hub Fridays’ committee chairperson. “I have that opportunity to discuss with the individual farmers and vendors about where their produce is raised and how it’s raised. They have all kinds of ideas for preparing it, the nutritional values and recipes — they serve as a great resource.”

Petteruti said the Fallon Food Hub cooperative received a two-year grant from the Department of Agriculture to offer these special, home-grown crops to Fallon residents. She also mentioned how the term “locally-grown” can extend a surprising distance, meaning California fruits — which Nevada may not have yet — may be purchased and enjoyed locally.

“It’s great to have it all and everyone in a central location,” Petteruti said. “People can just come right down and meet their farmers; sample their products; shop around and enjoy the downtown area.”

Plus, every market attendee each week will receive a free prize drawing ticket for the potential to win that week’s specialty crop basket.

In addition to the farmers market, Rachel Dahl, the executive director of the Churchill Economic Development Authority, said since the Food Hub installed an espresso machine, the interest has been good.

“We’re looking at getting more volunteers for extra days because of the interests in the espresso,” she said.

Vendor applications, rules and a street map are available through the Food Hub, Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and other places around town. Outdoor stations are assigned on a first-reserved basis. Registration fees are waived for specialty crop producers and non-profit organizations.

The recurring event held weekly on Fridays will run through Sept. 30. The market will be held between South Maine and South Nevada streets with the Fallon Food Hub at its core. Plenty of parking is available in the area, and many other downtown businesses within walking distance will be open during the markets.

Dahl added the Food Hub recently had its first $500 Saturday, and she hopes the farmers market drives more people to the down town’s other businesses.