Esmeralda Farmers Market debuts Tuesday

The five basic food groups may expand to about 50 on Tuesday as the Esmeralda Avenue Farmers Market makes its debut from 4 to 8 p.m. in downtown Minden.

"Come on down. Do your shopping and meet your neighbors for an evening of fresh produce, gifts and good, old-fashioned neighborhood socializing," said Minden business owner Roxanne Stangle.

She organized the market with Howard and Kregg Herz.

Esmeralda Avenue will be closed between Fourth and Fifth streets every Tuesday through Sept. 25 at 3 p.m. to set up the booths which will operate from 4 to 8 p.m., rain or shine.

Stangle said she expects more than two dozen vendors who will offer produce, pottery, honey, health beverges, cosmetics, baked goods, jewelry, soaps, candles and more.

The food includes chili dogs, taquitos, nachos, bratwurst, German potato salad, hot pretzels, snow cones, corn dogs and baked goods.

Beverages include margueritas, sodas and water.

Produce ranges from summer vegetables to fruit. Organic beef also will be available.

Stangle said businesses along Esmeralda Avenue will keep later hours to accommodate market shoppers. Musicians have been booked to provide background music each week.

The Minden market gives residents a second option for fresh produce and open-air shopping.

On Wednesday, the Lampe Park farmers market begins its 10th season in Gardnerville.

Presented by Sierra Farmers Markets and the Douglas County Parks & Recreation Department, the market operates from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the park on Waterloo Lane.

In keeping with a "food, farm or dirt" policy, the Lampe Park market has everything from fresh produce to outdoor decor.

The Gardnerville market operates every Wednesday through Sept. 18.