May starts this weekend, which means the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will add an additional day to its schedule. The farmers market will be open Sunday afternoons from now until August. If you’re in the Charlotte area, be sure to visit the market for a large selection of N.C. strawberries, asparagus, beef, pork, greens and more. There are many activities happening at other farmer markets across the state, and here are four of our recommendations.
1. Plant Sale
Come out to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market on Saturday for the Master Gardeners of Mecklenburg County Plant Sale. The Greenery Shed will be full of club members selling vegetable plants, herbs, perennials, shrubs and trees. Proceeds from the event support the Master Gardeners’ public education programs and provide horticultural scholarships for Central Piedmont Community College. The event starts at 7:30 a.m.
2. Spring Herb Festival
In Asheville, the WNC Farmers Market will host the 22nd annual Spring Herb Festival, one of the largest herb festivals in the Southeast. More than 50 vendors will be on hand selling a variety of herbal products including fresh herbs, plants, lotions, balms, teas and soaps. The event runs Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Festival vendors will be set up on the watermelon pad in Sheds 4 and 5, and other areas of the market will have vendors selling fresh produce such as tomatoes, strawberries and onions.
3. Strawberry Day
Stop by the Southeastern North Carolina Farmers Market in Lumberton on Saturday for a celebration of the state’s popular red berry. Fresh, locally grown strawberries will be available for sample and purchase, and there also will be free samples of strawberry ice cream while supplies last. The celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
4. Gourd Day
You also can pick up some fresh N.C. strawberries at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, but the main attraction this Saturday is the Gourd Day celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is organized by the N.C. Gourd Society and will feature a variety of decorative gourds for sale.
More seasonal farmers markets can be found across the state. To find a farmers market or roadside stand near you, go to www.ncfarmfresh.com. If you would like to receive news about the department, including weekly updates from the state farmers markets, submit your email address using the field in the right column.