July has been declared Got to Be NC Agriculture Month in North Carolina. To celebrate, why not take a trip to one of the four state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax or Raleigh? There is plenty of fresh produce available, as well as meats and cheeses, wines and specialty products made in North Carolina. In addition, the farmers markets are hosting these special events this month:
Celebrate Watermelon Day at all four of the state-operated farmers markets this July.
Peach Day, State Farmers Market, Raleigh
Free peach ice cream and a peach dessert contest are part of the lineup of activities at the State Farmers Market for Peach Day July 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Blackberry and Blueberry Day, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax
This event has become very popular in the Triad with free samples of N.C. berries and plenty available for purchase. Stop by from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 11 to for a “berry” special event.
Watermelon Day, Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte
The N.C. Watermelon Queen will be on hand July 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. passing out free slices of fresh, juicy N.C. watermelon.
Watermelon Day, Western NC Farmers Market, Asheville
If you missed the event in Charlotte, take a trip to Asheville July 18 for another day of watermelon fun with free watermelon slices, a visit from the N.C. Watermelon Queen, and a watermelon-eating contest for the kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Peach Day, Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax
Also on July 18, the Triad farmers market will host a Peach Day celebration with a peach recipe contest and free peach samples from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Watermelon Day, Robert G. Shaw Triad Farmers Market, Colfax
The following week on July 25, the market will be passing out free slices of fresh, juicy N.C. Watermelon to shoppers from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit the market and have your photo taken with the N.C. Watermelon Queen.
Watermelon Day, State Farmers Market, Raleigh
The State Farmers Market will host its Watermelon Day on July 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by for free watermelon slices and meet the N.C. Watermelon Queen.
If you can’t make these special events, look for other opportunities to support local agriculture in the month of July. Visit a pick-your-own farm or brewery or winery, eat at a restaurant that supports local food during the inaugural Dig into Local Restaurant Week, or simply try a new North Carolina specialty product you’ve never tried before.
However you choose to celebrate, be on the lookout for the Got to Be NC logo wherever you shop. That way you’ll know you’re getting a quality product grown, raised, caught or made in North Carolina. And while you’re celebrating, share with your friends through social media using the hashtag #GottobeNC. Find out other ways to get involved in the Got to Be NC celebration at www.gottobenc.com.