I moved here in the summer of 2017 and immediately checked out our downtown farmer’s market. I was very impressed with the number of vendors focused on food items, and I have been an occasional customer ever since. When the parking lot on 3rd and Curry Streets needed to be renovated, the farmers market temporarily moved to the Nugget parking lot area.

I was surprised and disappointed to see the “downtown” farmer’s market moved to Mills Park instead of back to downtown. I do like the shade provided by the pavilion and also the convenient parking; however, this decision is costing Carson City significant lost sales tax revenues from the Carson City Downtown Business Association.

I am not a member of this group, just a private citizen who wants to see the Carson City downtown not just survive, but thrive and be an entertainment and shopping destination for folks up to 90 minutes away by car.

One of the best farmer’s markets in the country is in Madison, WI, where the four streets surrounding the state capitol building are closed on Saturday mornings for the thousands that attend the farmer’s market and who also spend money in their downtown business district.

I am suggesting that the Carson City Downtown Business Association and the Carson City leaders sit down and figure out a way to bring back the downtown farmer’s market starting in 2027.

Surveys can be done this summer for ideas to be considered such as which streets to close, where vendors can park, where handicapped parking can be located, where can buses from nursing homes and senior-living apartment complexes drop off and pick up residents, and where can bikes be kept secure (by Muscle Powered volunteers)?. Would the Downtown Business Association provide JAC bus passes to those who can’t drive? Could we get more fresh food vendors and also businesses selling breakfast and lunch? Could a playground be moved in and out each Saturday? Could a family area be set up with activities, games and interactive exhibits from our local museums? 

I am not a fan of arts and crafts booths, but many others are. So, keep the arts and crafts booths together in one area (block) and also have a designated area (block) for booths that sell breakfast and lunch. Leave your pets at home, and continue the live music. In fact, expand the music offering with free concerts at 1pm. Have a special area (block) for local non-profits with reduced booth rates to raise money by various means. I’m sure that there are more great ideas.

What would Downtown Carson City look like with 1000+ people on a Saturday? AWESOME! 

— Edward Choklek

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