Spring has officially sprung, and with it the farmers markets are starting to buzz with more activity. Several events are planned at our four state-owned farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax and Raleigh. Mark your calendars for these events this month:
Get a free greenhouse tomato sandwich at Greenhouse Vegetable Day at the State Farmers Market or the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market.
Greenhouse Vegetable Day, State Farmers Market, Raleigh
This celebration of greenhouse vegetables takes place Thursday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free greenhouse tomato sandwiches and recipes will be available.
Spring Farm and Equipment Consignment Auction, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax
This is a consignment auction for farm and construction equipment. A preview will be held Friday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the auction starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 19. For more information and to view photos of consigned items, check out the auctioneer’s website.
Gourd Day, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
Gourds aren’t just for the fall! On Saturday, April 19, come celebrate all things gourds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Farmers Area 1.
Growing in the Mountains Plant Show, WNC Farmers Market
Stop by and get everything you need for your spring garden in one place April 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event, sponsored by the Blue Ridge Horticulture Association, will feature more than 25 family-operated nurseries.
Herbal Thyme Herb Guild’s Herb Festival 2014, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
Learn more about selecting, planting, growing, harvesting and using herbs Saturday, April 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The herb guild will present programs on the many uses of herbs, including medicinal, culinary, decorative, aromatherapy and more.
Fire Safety Day, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
This public safety event is sponsored by the Colfax Fire Department on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Greenhouse Vegetable Day, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
Stop by the market on Friday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to get a free greenhouse tomato sandwich.
5th Annual Echo Carving Invitational, “Carving For The Cure,” Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
This annual event, sponsored by Echo Outdoor Power Equipment, Joe’s Tractor Sales, the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and others features chainsaw carving. Chainsaw artists will show off their talents throughout the weekend and then pieces created during the event will be auctioned off to benefit Susan G. Komen Northwest NC.
Plan ahead for other market events:
- May 1 – Strawberry Day, State Farmers Market
- May 2 – Strawberry Day, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
- May 2-4 – 25th Spring Herb Festival, WNC Farmers Market, Asheville
- May 30-June 1 – Spring Craft Fair, Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
- June 7 – Crawfish Day, State Farmers Market
- June 19 – Blueberry Day, State Farmers Market