North Carolina’s strawberry season is well underway and to celebrate this sweet and tasty season, the State Farmers Market will be hosting Strawberry Day Thursday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free samples, free recipes, live music, a performance from the N.C. State University clogging team, and a visit from Suzy the Strawberry.The N.C. Strawberry Association and the market are hosting a strawberry dessert contest with a total of $400 in prize money offered to the top three winners. First place wins $200, second wins $125 and third takes home $75.
Topics Related to Farmers Markets
The Western N.C. Farmers Market will host its free Spring Festival & Growing in the Mountain Plant Sale, April 22 through 23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can meet and shop with local farmers, plant growers and craft makers at the popular event. Local food trucks will be on hand featuring ramps and strawberries, and visitors won’t want to miss the daily Food Truck Cook-off at 11 a.m.The WNC Farmers Market, which is open seven days a week, is located at 570 Brevard Road, Asheville.
The State Farmers Market will host its popular Spring Craft Fair Friday, March 17, through Sunday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Market visitors will find a variety of craft vendors selling Spring wreaths, decorations, jewelry, artwork, pottery and more. The event is free along with free parking on site.
The State Farmers Market in Raleigh is hosting a free performance by Got to Be NC Ag Star finalist and country singer Hunter Grant on Thursday from noon until 2 p.m. in the farmer’s shed.Grant, of Mount Olive, is one of 15 finalists who will compete March 4 in the Ag Star Finale at the State Fairgrounds in Raleigh. The talent search competition is a collaboration between the Got to Be NC program and Got to Be NC’s first musical ambassador Paige King Johnson.
The State Farmers Market will host the Market Shoppes Open House Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with prizes, samples and holiday gift ideas for shoppers looking to finish their Christmas lists or getting ready for holiday meals. Market Shoppes vendors offer N.C. meats, seafood, cheeses, jams, jellies, baked goods, candy, gift baskets, coffee, fruits, vegetables, soaps, wine, outdoor furniture and more. The 680 WPTF Weekend Gardener Show will broadcast LIVE from 8 to 11 a.m., so tune in to listen to the holiday happenings at the State Farmers Market.
The Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host a Touch-a-Truck event Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $5 per person or $20 per family. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Event Brite Link or Facebook page or at the event. Visitors should bring their proof-of-purchase with them for admission.
The Chili Championship planned for Oct. 1 at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market has been canceled due to the anticipated rains stemming from the remnants of Hurricane Ian. “We know we are going to have rain, but with the uncertainty of the direction of the storm through the state and the amount of rain we may receive, we felt it was better to cancel this event at this time,” said Daniel Johnson, manager of the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market.
September marks the peak of grape season in North Carolina and to celebrate this tasty fruit, the Charlotte Regional Farmer’s Market, the N.C. Muscadine Grape Association and the N.C. Wine and Grape Council will host Muscadine Day Friday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids of all ages can sample muscadine grapes at the event and there will be muscadine wine tastings for those 21 and over. Muscadine grapes and refreshing muscadine slushies will also be available to purchase at the event and visitors can play a game for a chance to win muscadine grape juice.
Organic growers in North Carolina can apply for partial reimbursement of the cost of becoming certified or for recertification through a program offered by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.Growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2021 and Sept. 30, 2022, can apply for assistance through the program.
The following are winners in the State Farmers Market Watermelon Contest held July 28: