Wednesday Shopping! The Tivoli Village Farmers Market

By Michele Sieniarecki
Best of Las Vegas
Photo Courtesy of Fresh 52

For those whose New Year’s resolutions include being healthier, more environmentally conscious or simply more adventurous, the Fresh 52 farmer’s and artisans’ market, held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tivoli Village, 302 South Rampart, might be just the ticket to making them stick.

Eating healthy means more than just purchasing a greater quantity of fruits and vegetables, according to Fresh 52 founder and market manager Carrie Hogan. The quality of the produce also matters.

“If you were to compare (the produce sold at the farmers market) to something sold in a grocery store, you can really taste the difference. Plus you can count on there not being chemicals or preservatives.

“It’s all about becoming more educated and conscious about what we’re eating,” Hogan said. “There are so many people that don’t even have a clue (what chemicals are in most commercially-grown food).”

Those who are bored with the usual carrots, tomatoes and lettuce will also find plenty of exotic choices at the farmers market.

“There are always things here that you can’t find in a regular grocery store, plus (shoppers) can actually talk to the farmer so they can be educated on what they’re eating, and can get some advice on how to cook it,” Hogan said.

The food vendors working at the market also pride themselves on using quality components. Pound Hound Bakery, for example, produces high-quality dog treats using human-grade ingredients, because, owner Julie Semola pointed out, working with the best builds trust with her customers.

“We put our hearts into (creating our products) because this is our livelihood, and we want people to come back and tell their friends.”

Farmers markets also help keep the earth healthy.

“We consider ourselves part of the local food movement,” Rosalind Gibson, owner of Bloomin Desert Herb Farm in Henderson, said.

Growers of over 50 different types of culinary and medicinal herbs, Gibson and her husband Randy also offer advice and tours for home gardeners hoping to grow their own herbs.

Cheryl Wahl, of Easy to Bee Green, pointed out that buying locally “directly supports our community, as well as supporting the person who either has grown or made their own items and are passionate about what they do.”

Wahl also supports environmental consciousness with her selection of reusable market bags, fair trade purses and accessories made from recycled and upcycled materials.

Hogan urged visitors to bring their own bags as well, along with plenty of cash as many vendors don’t accept credit cards. And for those first-timers who might seem a bit overwhelmed by some prices, she also had this advice.

“A lot of people will walk into a farmers market for the first time and say it’s so expensive, but guests just need to be aware that they are going to probably spend a little more for quality products.”

“We aren’t big companies with lots of employees or deep pockets,” Semola agreed. “The majority of the work is one of a kind. That being said, most likely our products will be a bit more expensive. But fresher is always better.”

The Fresh 52 Farmers and Artisan Market is held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays in Tivoli Village, 302 South Rampart. Call 702.900.2552 for more information.