The farmers market in Tahoe City at Commons Beach is already open. Photo/Provided

By Terra Breeden

Spring is upon us in Lake Tahoe, and with it, farmers markets are springing up all around the basin.

With the growth of the organic food movement, the popularity of farmers markets has exploded. Now, there are markets throughout Lake Tahoe all summer.

South Shore
El Dorado County Certified Farmers Market
American Legion parking lot, South Lake Tahoe
Tuesdays, 8am-1pm
June 7-Oct. 11
Friday Evening Farmers Market at Kahle Community Center
236 Kingsbury Grade, Stateline
Fridays, 4-7pm
June 3-Sept. 30
Ski Run Farmers Market
1132 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe
Fridays, 3-8pm
June 3-Sept. 9
North Shore-Truckee
Incline Village Farmers Market
995 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village (Lake Tahoe School parking lot)
Thursdays, 4-7pm
June 2-Aug. 31
Tahoe City Farmers Market
280 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe City (Commons Beach)
Thursdays, 8am-1pm
May 19-Oct. 13
Truckee Community Farmers Market
12047 Donner Pass Road, Truckee (in the Sears and Coffeebar Bakery center)
Sundays, 10am-2pm
June 5-Sept. 25

“The markets are made up of a lot of really nice people,” Steve Rozier, who runs the Kahle Community Park and Incline Village farmers markets, said. “People are trying new things, seeing things they like, and buying them at a fair price – that’s why farmers markets are so popular.”

Each farmers market has its own vibe. They range from the relaxed, produce-specific farmers market like the Truckee Community Farmers Market to Ski Run Farmers Market, which is more family-oriented, and street fair like.

Some of the markets have been serving fresh fruits and vegetables to the local community for decades. The Tahoe City Farmers Market and the El Dorado County Certified Farmers Market in South Lake Tahoe are celebrating 21 years in the Lake Tahoe Basin this summer.

“The American Legion farmers market has been going for quite a while and we have quite a following,” co-owner Lois Coalwell said,” co-owner Lois Coalwell told Lake Tahoe News. “We try to do something special for the community and our mission is to sustain small family farms in El Dorado County.”

At the Tahoe City Farmers Market at Commons Beach, owner Bryan Kaminsky displays certified organic produce from his farm in Placer County such as tomatoes, squash, and free-range chicken eggs. Kaminsky began the Tahoe City Farmers Market in 1995.

“I wanted to create a place where people could eat good food, enjoy Lake Tahoe, and be with their family. The market is in the most beautiful location, it’s right on the lake and the booths are 100 feet from the water,” Kaminsky said.

A few farmers markets are new to the area. The Truckee Community Farmers Market is starting its second season and is already flourishing.

“Last year was a huge success and we’d love to see more people come out this year. We’re featuring some new vendors like the Kombucha Company, the Lobo Baking Company with artisan pastries and bread, and the Therapeutic Chef with homemade organic broths,” owner Jessie Phillips said.

Ski Run Boulevard’s market opens June 3 in South Lake Tahoe. Photo/Provided

The Ski Run Farmers Market in South Lake Tahoe, now entering its seventh year, is known for its festival atmosphere. This family-oriented market features live music, kids’ karaoke, a bounce house, and face-painting as well as organic produce and craft vendors.

“We’ve been growing every year. We started with five vendors and this year we have 30,” owner Michaela Dickson told Lake Tahoe News. “We want to be more of a community gathering. People can listen to music and show their art. People aren’t just shopping, they are hanging out.”

Recently, Dickson considered moving the Ski Run Farmers Market to a new location because the event was blocking firetruck access from Ski Run Boulevard. However, instead of relocating, a fire lane will be opened alongside the market on Ski Run Boulevard to accommodate firetrucks.

“It’s made the market a little smaller, but we are hoping to expand another block,” Dickson said.

A variety of fruits and vegetables are available at all of the markets. Photo/Provided

This year, the Incline Village Farmers Market has moved to the Lake Tahoe School parking lot, but will still be featuring all of the garden-fresh produce it’s known for.

“The Incline Village Farmers Market is geared toward promoting a healthy lifestyle for local people,” owner Rozier told Lake Tahoe News. “It’s a one-stop shop where you can grab organic fruits, veggies and meat.”

According to Rozier, last year was challenging for local farmers because of the lack of water. There were many fruits and vegetables that weren’t available at the markets. Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries growers were especially impacted by the drought because berries require a lot of water.

“When you farm in Nevada or California, you never know what the weather will be like” Rozier said. “Farmers have had to reinvent themselves and find drought resistant produce. Now they are using new farming practices such as drip lines, covering soil to keep moisture in the ground and finding ways to save water.”

However, this year’s wet winter has been good for local and regional farmers, and the selection of organic fruits and vegetables now available at local farmers markets is vast.