RALEIGH -Visitors to the State Farmers Market on Thursday, July 12, can help celebrate the season's bountiful summer harvest with contests, free samples and activities for kids from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

North Carolina's Watermelon Queen, Stephanie Leigh McLamb, will join the festival to greet visitors and promote one of North Carolina's sweetest commodities. Free watermelon slices and ears of ready-to-eat corn will be among the samples of seasonal fruits and vegetables available in the Farmers Area. Free recipes will also be on hand for visitors.

The market will also host three contests open to children ages 12 and under. The corn shucking contest will be held at 11:30 a.m. and is sponsored by Ford's Produce Co. The farm animal sound contest will be held at noon and is sponsored by R&H Produce Co. The corn eating contest begins at 12:30 p.m. and is sponsored by the State Farmers Market Restaurant.

Each contest is limited to 30 participants and children can sign up beginning at 11 a.m. A first prize of $35 and a second prize of $15 will be offered for each contest. Registration will end when the maximum number of entries has been reached.

The State Farmers Market offers plenty of fresh vegetables, plants, garden supplies, crafts and baked goods for sale from local vendors.

The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. in Raleigh, off Exit 297 (Lake Wheeler Road) on Interstate 40.