Get inspired for Spring when the State Farmers Market hosts its Spring Fling event May 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the fun and educational activities for kids and adults, plus shop a market full of local produce, plants, crafts, baked goods and N.C. meat, cheeses, wines and seafood.
Spring Fling activities include a bounce house, face painting, ice cream, strawberries, a recipe contest, a Flounder Fling game, selfie booth, wine, beer, and presentations on native plants, turfgrass and pine needle demonstrations, agritourism networking opportunities and a Farm to School display.
The event celebrates the spring season and kicks off the arrival of the season’s first local fruits and produce, such as strawberries and greens, plus a good selection of vegetable and garden plants. Staff from the N.C. Department of Agriculture will be on hand to answer questions.
The market will also host a Strawberry Recipe Contest, with strawberries being the main ingredient and $400 in total prize money offered. Each entry must contain at least two cups of strawberries and can be an entrée for breakfast, lunch or dinner, side items or dessert.
Judging will be based on the use of strawberries, flavor, ease of preparation, overall appearance and creativity. Entries can be dropped off at the State Farmers Market Office from 8 to 10 a.m. Judging will begin at 10 a.m. and the winners will be announced at the Market Event Center at noon. The first-place recipe wins $200, second place $125 and third place $75.
Enjoy lunch at The State Farmers Market Restaurant, The N.C. Seafood Restaurant or The Grill, and take a stroll around the market to see all the great N.C. products.
The State Farmers Market is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh, Exit 297 off Interstate 40.
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