BATTLE MOUNTAIN - More than 200 people from all over flocked to the first ever Kingston Outdoor Market Sept. 1, which featured fresh produce, vendors, a barbecue, kids games, raffles, a flea market and much more.
People attended from Eureka, Austin, Tonopah, Round Mountain and Fallon and even from as far away as Las Vegas and Seattle. The event raised more than $1,600 for the Kingston Parks Department, according to organizers.
"It far exceeded our expectations and we are looking forward to repeating this event on an annual basis," said Bradley Ward, the main event organizer who sits on the Kingston Parks Department.
The Kingston Parks Department is a new nonprofit organization with 12 volunteer members. The money raised will go toward split rail fencing for Lee Baker Park, leveling some of the areas of the park, automatic irrigation and additional trees and grass, said Ward.
More than 175 meals were served during the barbecue that was run by the Kingston Parks Department, which consisted of hotdogs, half-pound hamburgers, chili and chips. Beer, wine, soda and water were for sale as well.
The event featured a total of 20 booths including fresh produce, canned goods, metal art, old fashioned root beer floats, clothes, collectibles, antiques, family haircuts, apple pies, tamales, vintage photographs, jewelry, cornbread and western art.
The produce included Hearts of Gold cantaloupe, watermelons and sweet corn, said Ward. The booth offering haircuts was packed all day and the apple pies sold out early in the day, added Ward.
The vendors were either local or from surrounding areas such as Round Mountain, Austin and Fallon. The Kingston Volunteer Fire Department did not have a booth but firefighters helped out during the event.
The BLM and U.S. Forest Service shared an information booth. Smokey Bear made an appearance for the kids.
The BLM and Forest Service ran the kids games. The main hit was the bean bag toss, said Ward. The kids' prizes were donated by Round Mountain Gold.
There were 50 raffle prizes, the grand prize being a limited edition silver and gold coin that was won by Barbara Testolin. It was donated by Round Mountain Gold, which also donated more than $350 worth of food, garden tools and other raffle prizes.
Raffle prizes were also donated by Perdiz Sport Shooting in Eureka, Raine's Market in Eureka, the Kingston Creek Lodge, Miles End Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Kingston, Zach's Lucky Spur Saloon in Kingston, Half Moon Saloon in Round Mountain, Shoshone Market in Carvers, Smoky Valley Tire in Carvers and some individuals.
Raffle tickets were sold for $1 each, six for $5 or 125 for $100. John Miles and Roy Center each bought $100 in raffle tickets, said Ward.
Vintage spurs were donated by the Full Moon Saloon which closed its doors in Carvers the day before the event. The spurs were auctioned off and won by Corrie Bisbo for $50.
Ward said he is hoping to have a bigger event next year in conjunction with Kingston's 150th anniversary celebration. The Kingston Parks Department is also planning to hold a winter bazaar in early December.
People who are interested in being vendors for next year's outdoor market or the December bazaar can contact Ward at (775) 964-1034.
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