This weekend, the state-operated farmers markets will be in full swing as vendors offer selections of late-summer and early-fall crops. In addition, nurseries and greenhouses will have fall trees, plants and bedding flowers for sale. The state owns and operates farmers markets in Asheville, Colfax, Charlotte, Raleigh and Lumberton.
The State Farmers Market in Raleigh will host its annual Grape Day celebration with wine tastings, muscadine samples and muscadine slushies. Vendors also will have plenty of muscadines for purchase and the Market Shoppes will have an assortment of N.C. wines and grape products. Grape Day is Friday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday, the Raleigh Daylily Club will offer hundreds of varieties of daylilies for sale starting at 9 a.m. in the Farmers Building.
Master gardeners will be at the WNC Farmers Market to offer advice on preparing your garden for fall. Bring your questions and examples of problem plants with you Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, the Charlotte Herb Guild will be set up with a variety of herb-based products during the organization’s annual visit to the market Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in Building A. The Master Gardeners of Mecklenburg County also will be at the market for its bi-monthly visit to offer plant and yard advice to homeowners. The event will be Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Southeastern N.C. Farmers Market in Lumberton will celebrate the N.C. grape industry with Taste of Fall and Grape Day at the market Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests can enjoy free samples of locally grown muscadines and a cookout using fresh ingredients from the market.
There will be more special events happening this fall at the state-operated farmers markets. To see a complete listing, check out our Farmers Market Fall Preview.