FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 1, 2007

 Chef Harry Schwartz joins the State Farmers Market on Aug. 9 in celebrating Watermelon Day, National Farmers Market Week 

RALEIGH—This year’s annual Watermelon Day at the State Farmers Market will feature celebrity chef and television personality Harry Schwartz, of the popular PBS program “Chef Harry & Friends.”  The State Farmers Market will host the event on Watermelon Day Thursday, Aug. 9, during National Farmers Market Week.

Chef Harry will premiere new watermelon recipes along with healthy eating and lifestyle tips based on his upcoming book and PBS series “Fitness from the Start.” 

“We’re excited that Chef Harry can join us in celebrating this special week in agriculture.  National Farmers Market Week is designed to call attention to farmers markets as a source of fresh, locally grown products,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “At farmers markets, visitors have the chance to buy direct from growers, which helps support the local economy.”

Watermelon Day will feature free slices of watermelon, kids competitions, a contest for the largest watermelon, recipes and a visit by the N.C. Watermelon Queen Stephanie Leigh McLamb. Festivities will take place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Farmers Building.

Weigh-in for the largest watermelon contest begins at 11 a.m. in the Farmers Building. The largest watermelon by weight will earn $600 in prize money, while second, third and fourth places will receive $400, $300 and $200, respectively.

The watermelon eating contest begins at noon and is open to children ages 12 and under. A top prize of $50, a second prize of $25, a third prize of $15 and a fourth prize of $10 will be offered. Registration for a chance to compete will be from 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  Fifty contestants will be chosen after registration is complete.

Watermelon Day is sponsored by the National Watermelon Promotion Board, Ziploc, N.C. Watermelon Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant, R & H Produce and the State Farmers Market.

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.

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