Topics Related to Farmers Markets

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:

RALEIGH – Visitors can shop to their heart’s delight as the annual Fall Craft Fair returns to the State Farmers Market Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This popular and free event features over 100 vendors offering local products and handmade items for sale just in time for the holidays.

To celebrate the fall harvest and the bounty of crops available in North Carolina, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will host its first Harvest Festival Oct. 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COLFAX – The Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will host its first Pollination Celebration June 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

RALEIGH – The popular Peach Dessert Contest is making its return to the lineup of State Farmers Market Peach Day festivities Thursday, July 13.