Farmers market fare changes with seasons

Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. at two locations

Top, farmer Dan Garrison of Fresno, Calif., slices an apple at the Las Vegas Farmers Market at Bruce Trent Park, 1600 Rampart Blvd. Left, Steve Hetblack displays fresh baked breads from Zimmerman?s Bakery.photos by larry cruikshank/view Top, farmer Dan Garrison of Fresno, Calif., slices an apple at the Las Vegas Farmers Market at Bruce Trent Park, 1600 Rampart Blvd. Left, Steve Hetblack displays fresh baked breads from Zimmerman?s Bakery.photos by larry cruikshank/view Advertisement

The daylight fades quicker. The hours of operation end sooner. The number of attendees dwindles significantly.

The Las Vegas Farmers Market in winter is a more subdued affair than in other seasons, vendors said. Winter sees a drop in business of about 65 percent as compared to summer crowds, they said.

"When they're driving by and see us here with our tents, they'll pull in," said Steve Johnson, who owns and operates the market with his wife, Ginger. "But it's not exactly a destination spot, especially after they see the weather report."

The Farmers Market is held each Tuesday at Gardens Park, 10401 Garden Park Drive.

Each Wednesday, its pop-up tents are erected at Bruce Trent Park, 1600 N. Rampart Blvd.

Hours for both locations are 4 to 8 p.m.

No matter the season, the market has a loyal following with some residents. One woman drives from Henderson each week to Gardens Park just for a loaf of Zimmerman's bread.

One time when there were no loaves available, she made the trek to the Bruce Trent Park the following day.

Another loyal customer drives to Las Vegas each week from Lake Havasu.

Becky Klausmeier, a stay-at-home mother who lives in Summerlin, recently braved the chilly weather to buy vegetables.

Visiting the Las Vegas Farmers Market is something she does about three times a month, she said.

"I think it's a nice way to support local people," she said.

Linda Fleming, a retired business owner who lives on Mount Charleston, said she loves the idea of a farmers market in Las Vegas.

"On Wednesdays, I drive down this road specifically to stop here for bread and the funny little things you can't find anywhere else, like these olives," she said. "But in winter, it's slim pickings."

It's slim pickings because many fruits and vegetables are out of season, sellers said. Also, the market follows a staunch rule that everything be grown in the region.

It's also slim pickings due to gas prices.

Dan Garrison, a farmer from Fresno, Calif., knows that better than most. He normally brings produce to the market in a big box van. But the vehicle guzzles up gas to the tune of $340 per round trip.

This day, he brought produce in a compact pickup truck.

It meant carrying fewer items, but it also meant spending only about $120 on gas round trip.

"One farmer can't really afford to come here, so I have produce from three or four other farmers," Garrison said.

The farmers market was established in late 1999. It began with nine vendors. It grew each year.

Currently, that number shoots up to about 40 vendors during summer. Winter usually sees about 10.

The cold season means the market features core vendors like Dawg Daze pet food, Ma & Pa Kettle Corn and Zimmerman's Bakery, which provides bread for many casinos on the Strip. Winter also sees a booth for Heavenly Fudge.

"He won't be here in summer," said Steve Johnson of that vendor. "With the heat, it all melts."

If shopping makes people hungry, varied food vendors are on hand -- Walter's Cajun Barbecue, a hotdog stand and Mama Napoli Pizza.

By March, things will pick up and more produce will become available, Johnson said.

The Johnsons, who established the market, aim to keep things interesting with theme events, such as the Las Vegas Farmers Market Strawberry Festival, a pumpkin event and a corn event.

For more information, visit www.lasvegasfarmers market.com.

Meanwhile, the vendors brave the cold, the wind, and sometimes, the rain, using tents and propane heaters.

Enduring it all "lets people know we're here year round," said Becky Hetblack, co-owner of Zimmerman's Bakery. "They get pretty faithful."