Celebrating 30 years of fresh, local produce.
In 1993, Shirley Sponsler opened the first farmers’ market in Nevada. The 2023 season marks the 30th anniversary of Shirley’s Farmers’ Markets, where, through the decades, she and her team have provided spaces for local growers and makers to share their goods with the community.
The Open Air Marketplace was Sponsler’s initial endeavor — located adjacent to the Pacific Pawnbrokers store on Victorian Square in Sparks. Pacific Pawnbrokers sponsored and financed the market for two years. Working with the City of Sparks Redevelopment Agency, Sponsler and her partner, Lynne Burroughs, continued to be essential players in the market, which was renamed Sparks Hometowne Farmers’ Market and became a hugely popular event. Sponsler served as the produce manager there for more than 20 years. She also opened a second market in Carson City and organized other special events in the capital, including the Carson City tree lighting, historic home walks, the Wild West walk, the ghost walk, and Concerts on the Capitol.
Passionate Advocate
“Farmers’ markets began to flourish, and over the years I have operated over 12 different venues,” Sponsler remembers. “I began operating on my own in 1995.”
In an effort to give market managers a voice and create cohesion, Sponsler started and was the original president of the Nevada Certified Farmers Market Association. She also served on steering committees; provided guidance to farmers on certifications, organic requirements, and financial guidelines; and set standards for the events.
“I have lobbied and argued in many situations that farmers’ markets are unique, beneficial community events and should not be grouped into a special events category that generates and demands higher fees,” she says.
About Family
Over the years, Sponsler’s husband, Pat; her two daughters, Robynne Carthen and Shandra Sponsler-Pendleton; her granddaughters, Aleyce and Delaney Carthen; and her nephew, Chris Tisdale, have joined her in working at the markets. She’s continued to see farmers and ranchers bring their families, and she enjoys watching the generations of people who once toddled around the booths now running the show for their respective businesses — and she enjoys the many benefits the events bring to the whole community.
“Farmers’ markets allow small farmers and entrepreneurs an opportunity to prosper, the public to access exceedingly high-quality produce and specialty items, while also providing seasonal employment opportunities for local youths,” she adds.
Sponsler currently operates two active farmers’ markets: The Village Market at California Avenue and Booth Street in Reno, and the Tamarack Junction Casino Farmers’ Market in South Reno. Be sure to stop by this summer as Shirley’s Farmers’ Markets celebrates its 30th year!
For details, visit Shirleysfarmersmarkets.com/markets.
