RALEIGH – Giant watermelons, watermelon royalty and free slices of the summertime fruit – what’s not to love about Watermelon Day Friday, Aug. 23, at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh?
Activities including a giant watermelon contest, visits by the N.C. Watermelon Queen Haylee Davis, live music and face painting will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the market’s event center located between the farmers building and the retail building.
A total of $2,000 in prize money will be awarded for first through fourth place in the watermelon contest. One entry per grower is accepted and the watermelon must be grown in North Carolina. Entries will be accepted through 11:30 a.m., with the weigh-in beginning at noon. All entries become the property of the State Farmers Market and the winning melon will be displayed at the State Farmers Market Restaurant following the contest.
Vendors will have plenty of fresh-picked watermelons available for purchase and visitors can pick up watermelon recipes and free watermelon treats during their visit. A large variety of N.C. watermelons are available for purchase from several different farmers throughout the season.
The State Farmers Market is open year-round, offering shoppers locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, wines and specialty foods, plus seasonal products from N.C. nurseries, greenhouses, Christmas tree farms, turfgrass and sod. For the best selection shop 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The market is located off Exit 297 on Interstate 40 in Raleigh. For more information on the State Farmers Market events, activities and seasonal charts, visit the website at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/marketing/farmers-markets-agricultural-centers/state-farmers-market-raleigh or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateFarmersMarket.
To find local watermelons near you, download the Visit NC Farms app at www.visitncfarmstoday.com.
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