What better way to welcome summer than with a trip to a local farmers market. You’ll find an abundance of summer favorites such as blueberries, corn, squash and tomatoes at markets across the state. In addition, there are plenty of special events going on at the state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Colfax, Charlotte, Raleigh and Lumberton.
Here are the activities you can enjoy this weekend at your state farmers markets:
- WNC Farmers Market: The farmers market in Asheville will host master gardeners from N.C. State, who will offer free research-based advice for all of your horticultural questions. The master gardeners will be at the market Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Piedmont Triad Farmers Market: The market is coming off a fantastic weekend of crawfish and wings. You can see photos from last week’s Crawfish Day and WingFest on the market’s Facebook page. This week, the market will host its annual Blueberry Day Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free blueberry samples, recipes and nutritional information will be available, as well as pints of fresh blueberries for purchase. The AARP Wellness Tour will stop at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Saturday and Sunday to provide free health tests.
- Charlotte Regional Farmers Market: Charlotte is known as the home of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. This weekend, the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market will highlight a different group of four-wheeled vehicles – lawn tractors. Dixie Turf Toys will bring their diverse group of modified lawn tractors to the market Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Master Gardeners of Mecklenburg County also will be on hand Saturday to offer free advice on gardening questions. Extension agent Scott Ewers will join the group to give tips on handling insect and disease problems. The gardeners will be at the market from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- State Farmers Market: In Raleigh, the crawfish will be boiling at the annual Crawfish Day celebration Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Crawfish will be available for $5 per pound live or $6 per pound cooked with Cajun seasonings. There is a 5-pound minimum purchase for live crawfish and a pound minimum for cooked crawfish. There also is a 40-pound limit per person and no preorders will be accepted. Visitors are encouraged to come early, as supplies sell out quickly.
- Southeastern N.C. Farmers Market: Try all your favorite summer fruits and vegetables in one place during the Taste of Summer event at the Southeastern N.C. Farmers Market in Lumberton. Free samples will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and there will be plenty of produce to purchase.
Now that summer has officially arrived, we want to hear from you. What’s your favorite summer fruit or vegetable? Let us know by leaving a comment below, posting on our Facebook wall or sending us a tweet on Twitter.