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Organizer pitches new farmers market at Churchill County fairgrounds for summer 2026
Summary
A group of farmers and food producers told the commission they plan to open a new farmers market at the county fairgrounds in July 2026 and have local partners and technical support lined up; the commission received the presentation as public comment.
James Fleming, a member of a group of farmers and food producers, told the Churchill County Board of Commissioners that organizers plan to open a new farmers market at the county fairgrounds at 255 Shekeler beginning in July 2026.
Why it matters: A weekly farmers market can provide a recurring marketplace for local producers, help distribute agricultural products locally and attract visitors to the fairgrounds.
Fleming said organizers studied past markets to identify problems that led to failure, citing lack of shade, insufficient vendor recruitment and missing water and electrical hookups. He said Parks and Recreation staff indicated Thursdays in July through September 2026 would likely be available if irrigation schedules were adjusted, and that the market would avoid conflicts with weekend events.
Fleming told commissioners organizers expect to raise about $10,000 by the end of summer to cover startup costs, including a deposit for the county if the commission approves the plan. He said the organizers have support from multiple partners, including a tribal entity, the local school district, the Farm Bureau and the group that runs the market aspect of the cantaloupe festival. He also said the University of Nevada, Reno Cooperative Extension has agreed to provide technical assistance to enable SNAP/EBT acceptance and help pursue additional grant funding for operations and marketing.
The comment was heard as public comment; the commission did not take action on the proposal during the meeting. Fleming said he would submit the required paperwork for the item to be placed on a future agenda for formal consideration.
Ending: County staff directed Fleming to follow the regular agenda process and file required paperwork so the commission could consider the proposal at a future meeting.
