Fremont Street farmers market opens

Produce, arts, crafts sold at new spot

jerry henkel/ViewScott Gibson of Las Vegas, left, and his dog Jim check out the fresh produce from Joe Van Dyke Farms on May 8 at the Las Vegas Farmers Market, 500 Fremont St. Advertisement

Downtown Las Vegas isn't necessarily what you would consider to be a prime spot for a conventional farmers market. That is, unless you are market managers and local residents Ginger and Steve Johnson, who opened the weekly Las Vegas Farmers Market, 500 Fremont St., last month.

It's the couple's second attempt to make such a market work in the downtown area after having closed their first attempt just four years ago.

Their first downtown market, which was located inside of the Historic Fifth Street School, 401 S. 4th St., wasn't a good location, according to Ginger.

The Johnsons never did surrender their dream of bringing slow food to the masses in the center of the city, however. When the opportunity arose to open a new market just east of Las Vegas Boulevard on Fremont Street, one of the most famous streets in the world, they jumped on it, Steve said.

"In life, everything is timing," he said.

The Las Vegas Farmers Market will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. each Friday. It features crops from six regional farmers in California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Washington, along with more than 14 booths dedicated to arts, crafts and artisans.

Ginger said that shoppers can expect to find a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in season, including strawberries, peaches, cherries and stone fruits.

The market also features farm-fresh ingredients that have been made into other product, such as lemon bars, chocolate brownies, jams and jellies.

"We look at these as little bonuses," she said. "Our motto is that if you can make it, bake it, grow it or sew it, you can find it at the market."

The Johnsons have been running successful markets in cooperation with the city and Clark County for 10 years at 1600 N. Rampart Blvd. and Gardens Park, 10401 Garden Park Drive.

Ginger said that although it is a commonly held belief that growing anything in the Nevada soil is impossible, she has found that to be a myth.

"Our seasons are different," she said. "But you can grow almost anything here. Our soil still produces. Although, in July and August, it's not much fun to be out in the garden tending to it."

Ginger has grown everything from lettuce and carrots to radishes, strawberries and peas in her backyard garden.

"I'm sure that there are many farmers doing things the way that we are," she said.

Ginger said she and her husband are proud to become a part of the redevelopment of downtown.

"This is a really exciting time," she said. "This market is now located in a part of town where residents don't always have the opportunity to buy something that is fresh."

Events like a farmers market help to build a sense of community, Steve said.

"We really hope that this will be long term," he said.

Contact Downtown and North Las Vegas View reporter Amanda Llewellyn at allewellyn@viewnews.com or 380-4535.