Tag Archive for: #statefarmersmarket

State Farmers Market to host Largest Watermelon Contest during annual Watermelon Day July 27

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Top prize $1,000

RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market is looking for the largest watermelon in North Carolina. The public weigh-in and awards ceremony is part of the market’s annual Watermelon Day Thursday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Watermelon growers will have the chance to earn prize money and bragging rights during the Largest Watermelon Contest. The grower with the heaviest watermelon will win $1,000. The runner-up will earn $500, and third and fourth places will earn $300 and $200, respectively.

All entries must be from North Carolina, and growers must be prepared to identify where the watermelon was grown. Melons should be free of decay and soft spots, and stems should be trimmed to 3 inches. Only one entry per person will be allowed.

Entries will be accepted until 11:30 a.m., and the weigh-in will take place at noon. All entries will become the property of the State Farmers Market. The winning watermelon will be on display at the State Farmers Market Restaurant.

Other Watermelon Day activities include free watermelon slices and a visit from the N.C. Watermelon Queen. There also will be fresh local watermelons and watermelon products for sale.

Watermelon Day is sponsored by the N.C. Watermelon Association, State Farmers Market Restaurant, Ford’s Produce, R & H Produce and the State Farmers Market.

North Carolina is the seventh-largest producer of watermelons in the nation, yielding 201,376 pounds in 2016.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets in North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super Sod and three restaurants. More information about Watermelon Day, the contest rules and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.

NC State Farmers Market to host annual Blueberry Day June 15

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RALEIGH — The State Farmers Market will celebrate its annual Blueberry Day Thursday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Guests can enjoy free samples of blueberry cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream prepared by the State Farmers Market Restaurant. In addition, there will be plenty of recipes and the opportunity to purchase fresh local blueberries.

Blueberry Day will be held in the event area, which is located between the N.C. Seafood Restaurant and the garden section of the Farmers building. The event is sponsored by the N.C. Blueberry Council, the State Farmers Market Restaurant, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of blueberries in the nation, yielding nearly 50 million pounds in 2016, with about 8,000 acres of blueberries grown in the state.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets located across North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products seven days a week. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super-Sod and three restaurants. More information about Blueberry Day and other special events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.

State Farmers Market to host strawberry dessert contest Thursday

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RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market will host a strawberry dessert contest Thursday, May 4, as part of its annual Strawberry Day celebration. Contestants can submit their favorite strawberry dessert for a chance at prize money and bragging rights.

Desserts should include at least two cups of N.C. strawberries, and strawberries must be a main ingredient. Recipes will be judged on flavor, appearance, quality and creative use of strawberries. All entries must be in disposable containers and include the complete recipe with cooking instructions, along with contestant’s name, address and telephone number. A total of $400 in prize money will be awarded for the top three desserts, with $200 for first place, $125 for second and $75 for third.

Desserts can be dropped off between 8 and 10 a.m. at the State Farmers Market Administrative Office at 1201 Agriculture St. Judging is open to media and will start at 10 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at noon.

Strawberry Day activities will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with free samples of strawberry ice cream for all guests. Visitors also can have their photo taken with Suzy Strawberry and pick up free strawberry recipes to take home. In addition, market vendors will be selling a variety of locally grown strawberries.

North Carolina is the fourth-largest producer of strawberries in the nation. This season has been unusual for local growers. An early start to the season was put on hold by a late cold snap in March. However, most local strawberry growers have recovered and are expecting a strong crop into late May.

For more information on Strawberry Day and other special events at the State Farmers Market, go to www.statefarmersmarket.org.

State Farmers Market kicks off spring events with craft fair March 10-12

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RALEIGH – The State Farmers Market will host several special events this spring, starting with its annual Spring Craft Fair, March 10-12.

The three-day festival features dozens of vendors selling handmade items and unique gifts. Visitors will find ornamental garden accessories, woodworking items, handcrafted soaps and candles, handbags, jewelry, baked goods, furniture and more. Vendors will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

On March 18, the State Farmers Market will host an Arbor Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will include demonstrations, hands-on activities for children, and tree professionals offering advice on backyard and urban conservation. Tree seedlings also will be given to attendees while supplies last.

Other upcoming events:

  • Market Shoppes Open House on April 8. The Market Shoppes offer locally made specialty foods, wines, meats and cheeses, as well as handcrafted items and gifts. The open house will feature special discounts and door prizes.
  • Greenhouse Vegetable Day on April 20. Guests can enjoy a free tomato sandwich made with N.C. greenhouse tomatoes.
  • Strawberry Day on May 4. A strawberry dessert contest will be held and fresh strawberries will be available for sample and purchase.
  • Crawfish Day on June 3, featuring N.C. crawfish for sale by the pound. Crawfish is sold raw or cooked with seasoning.
  • Blueberry Day on June 15 celebrates the state’s blueberry season with free dessert samples. N.C. blueberries also will be available for sample and purchase.

The State Farmers Market is open year round offering seasonal produce, local meats and seafood, cheeses and wines, along with a variety of specialty products. Visitors also will find ornamental plants, trees and shrubs. In addition, the market is home to Market Imports, Super Sod and three restaurants serving home-style cooking, seafood and casual-dining fare. More information is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org and on the market’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StateFarmersMarket.

 

NCDA&CS Public Affairs Division, Brian Long, Director
Mailing Address:1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1001
Physical Address: 2 West Edenton Street, Raleigh NC 27601
Phone: (919) 707-3001; FAX: (919) 733-5047