For the next few weeks, our regional farmers markets will be full of activity with a lineup of special events celebrating North Carolina’s bounty of agricultural products. It doesn’t matter if you visit Asheville, Charlotte, Colfax or Raleigh, there will be plenty of things to do, plenty of products to taste and plenty of fresh produce to take home. Check out the list below to see what’s available at your regional market this weekend:
WNC Farmers Market, Asheville – The WNC Farmers Market has a good selection of watermelons, cantaloupes, different varieties of squash, all colors and varieties of peppers, pickling cucumbers and early apples. There is a limited supply of corn and green beans, with more local farmers expected to begin harvesting soon. There is a plentiful supply of peaches, including the Red Globe variety, which is always in high demand. Tomatoes are beginning to increase in volume and more heirloom varieties are coming in too.
Special Event: Watermelon Day is Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enjoy free watermelon slices, a kid’s watermelon-eating contest, and drawings for free melons. The reigning N.C. Watermelon Queen will be at the market to greet everyone at the event.
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, Charlotte – The Charlotte market is full of blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupes, peaches, plums, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, peas, garlic, beans, peppers, leafy greens, onions, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, zucchini and white potatoes. Also be on the lookout for honey, various meat and fish selections, assorted baked goods, and handcrafted items.
Special Event: On Saturday, July 18, Peace Corps volunteers will be passing out recipes from around the world in the Variety Shoppes Building. Also, members of the Charlotte Iris Society will be hosting demonstrations on how to plant an iris in the Greenery Shed at 9, 10, and 11 a.m.
Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax – Peach is the main attraction at the Triad market this weekend. There’s also plenty of vine-ripe tomatoes, triple sweet corn, cantaloupes, watermelons, blueberries, blackberries, local honey, organic produce, free-range chicken and grass-fed beef.
Special Event: Friday, July 17, is Peach Day. Enter the Peach Recipe Contest, or come celebrate with free peach samples and peach ice cream, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The N.C. Peach Queen also will be on site during the festivities greeting guests and sharing peach recipes to try at home.
State Farmers Market, Raleigh – The State Farmers Market has an abundant supply of farm fresh, summer produce such as sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupes, tomatoes, peaches, squash, field peas, cucumbers, blueberries, blackberries, peppers, eggplants, butterbeans, and much more. We have a great selection of plants and flowers available to help spruce up the summer landscape, including perennials, hanging baskets, herbs, succulents, shrubbery, and many other potted plants. A large selection of N.C. farm-raised meats are available including beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and bison. Fresh N.C. seafood, cheeses, and N.C. wines are also available.