Rachel Reilly of Matthew's Family farm of Yuba City hands out fresh fruit at the first Farmers Market of the year at the Pony Express Pavillion Wednesday afternoon.
The only sign of summer warmth appearing at the opening day of Carson City's Farmers Market Wednesday was wrapped in cellophane and came with nuts.
Lattin Farm's Sunshine Nut Bread sat nestled next to several other heavy sweet loaves and jars of jams as shoppers steeled against a chilly wind.
"The weather's been playing havoc with us," said organizer Shirley Adshade-Sponsler.
Ed and Bonnie Myers pulled a red wagon filled with strawberries, apricots and some weird-looking brown plum fruits they discovered this year. The tasty sample of the "pluots," a mix between plums and apricots, pulled the couple in.
"You get to taste it and that makes all the difference," she said, as her husband haggled for purple plants at the next booth.
Growers from Nevada and California set out slices of sweet apricots and fresh nectarines as visitors loaded baskets, canvas and plastic bags with avocados, ears of corn and a variety of produce.
The market is hosting several new vendors this year, including handmade fruit dessert crepes, locally-grown plants, handmade quilted items, and an organic beef vendor.
Daniel and Rachel McClure, along with their toddler Roark, opened "Petals and Stems" this year with tables of plants grown to endure the local cold and dry conditions.
Daniel McClure started his business at home in Smith's Valley, which allows him to raise his son while his wife works in Carson City.
The couple sells "things that are pretty and make people smile," he said.
The tomato plants, for instance, are climatized and produce fruit immediately. The plants are started in February because of the short growing season, he said. All plants come labeled with an e-mail address and phone number, just in case customers have questions.
"It's made us really happy so far," Rachel McClure said.
Shoppers at this year's market will also find fresh-cut french fries, hot dogs and temporary tattoos.
Vendors are also selling pain-relieving jewelry and the Capitol Post N. 4 Veterans booth is providing World War II vets with certificates of service.
The market will be open from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday until Aug. 25 at the Pony Express Pavilion.
Contact Jill Lufrano at jlufrano@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1217.
