State Farmers Market hosting seasonal events


RALEIGH – The year may be winding down, but the State Farmers Market is ramping up with several special events planned between now and the end of the year.

“We want to remind everyone that the State Farmers Market is open seven days a week, year-round. The only day it closes is Christmas,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “There is no better place to find fresh ingredients for your holiday meals, or locally grown Christmas trees, poinsettias and wreaths for your holiday decorations.”

Several Christmas tree vendors will start setting up the weekend of Nov. 20. They will offer a large selection of N.C. Christmas trees, poinsettias, decorative wreaths and handmade garland. In addition to being a one-stop source for locally grown, raised, caught or made agricultural products, the State Farmers Market will be hosting four special events in the coming weeks for visitors.

Colossal Collard Day

The first event, Colossal Collard Day, celebrates one of the more popular side dishes on holiday tables throughout the South. Collard Day will be held Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free samples of collards prepared by the State Farmers Market Restaurant and purchase their own collards to prepare for Thanksgiving.

Market Shoppes Open House

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the State Farmers Market will host its annual Market Shoppes Open House. This is an opportunity for shoppers to sample products from dozens of vendors in the Market Shoppes, and find unique gifts for friends and family. Vendors will be selling products ranging from local cheeses, jams, jellies and wines to cakes, candles, decorative flags and ornaments. In addition, WPTF-AM’s “Weekend Gardener Show” will broadcast from the market to offer winter gardening advice to shoppers.

Week of Giving

Market patrons will have a chance to give back to those less fortunate in the community during the State Farmers Market’s Week of Giving, Dec. 5-11. Shoppers can drop off non-perishable food items or monetary donations under a giving tree located in the Market Shoppes. All donations collected will be given to Inter-Faith Food Shuttle for distribution to pantries and shelters in Wake and surrounding counties.

Pecan Day

On Friday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the market will host Pecan Day. Visitors can enjoy free samples of N.C. pecans and a pecan dessert prepared by the State Farmers Market Restaurant. Farmers will be selling pecans in the Farmers Building, and recipes will be available to take home and try during the holidays.

The State Farmers Market is open every day of the year except Christmas. Hours vary, but visitors can find the best selection from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. More information is available online at www.statefarmersmarket.org, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateFarmersMarket.