Take a break from your chore list this weekend and spend some quality time with your family while supporting local agriculture. The NCDA&CS manages five farmers markets across the state, featuring a variety of fresh and locally grown produce, meats and cheeses. The markets also have a full calendar of events throughout the year. Here is our list of the top five things to do at state farmers markets this weekend:
1. Attend a Master Gardener Clinic
This is a great way to spend time with your family and take steps to improve the quality of your garden or yard. Master Gardeners will be on had to offer free advice for your gardening problems. You also can bring your sickly plant with you to the farmers market for a closer examination. Clinics are sponsored by local gardening clubs and horticultural programs, and are held periodically through the growing season. This weekend, you can find clinics at the farmers markets in Asheville and Charlotte.
2. Spring Herb Days at the State Farmers Market
What better way to relax after a long day of spring cleaning than with a soothing cup of hot tea and a foot massage. Visit the State Farmers Market in Raleigh during Spring Herb Days to pick up fresh or dried herbs, herbal candles, body lotions and more for your personal spa experience at home.
3. Barbecue and Bluegrass at the WNC Farmers Market
The 6th annual Barbecue Cookoff and Bluegrass Jam at the WNC Farmers Market will feature 10 barbecue competitors, plus additional vendors selling everything from pork and fish to turkey legs and hot dogs. Things heat up on Friday at noon and last until 7 p.m. on Saturday. In between, you can taste some of the best barbecue around and listen to a variety of talented local musicians.
4. Sell your stuff at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
If you’ve been putting off having a yard sale, this weekend is your chance to check something off your to-do list because the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market will be hosting the WSJS Triad’s Largest Yard Sale Saturday. You can reserve a spot for $15 and do a little spring cleaning in the process. The yard sale starts at 6 a.m. and spaces are available until 6 p.m. Stop by the Gatehouse to sign up Friday or Saturday morning.
5. Meet your farmer
Be sure to check out the Dig Into Local food show Saturday at the WNC Farmers Market. The food show highlights the best in local agriculture and offers a chance to meet your local farmers, ranchers and CSAs. The food show also will be held during the N.C. Azalea Festival in Wilmington Saturday and during the Blue Ridge Wine and Food Festival in Blowing Rock April 16. You can learn more about the food show by listening to Commissioner Troxler’s recent interview with the Southern Farm Network’s Rhonda Garrison.