RALEIGH – Celebrate one of the state's favorite summer traditions during North Carolina Watermelon Day on Thursday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the State Farmers Market in Raleigh. The event is hosted by the N.C. Watermelon Association, the N.C. Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and the Got to Be NC marketing program.
Press Releases
COLFAX – Enjoying the sweet taste of watermelon on a hot summer day is a favorite activity for many North Carolinians. Shoppers at the Robert G. Shaw Piedmont Triad Farmers Market are invited to celebrate that summer tradition during N.C. Watermelon Day on Friday, July 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market. The N.C. Watermelon Association, the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Got to Be NC program are hosting the event.
Application & Nomination period now open for the 2026 N.C. State Fair Farm Family of the Day Program
The Quarry Road Fire has been burning in Shallotte since Friday, July 10. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lightning strike.Wildland firefighters continue mop-up operations and reinforcing fire lines. There are 21 personnel resources from the N.C. Forest Service, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and N.C. State Parks assigned to the incident.---------------Acreage and Containment: The fire is 283 acres in size and 75% contained.
The Farmland Preservation Division of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Natural Resources Conservation Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture have reached a significant milestone with the closing of their 100th jointly funded agricultural conservation easement. The easement was recorded Wednesday, July 15, in Johnston County.
The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Standards Division collected fines from 16 stores in 13 counties for price scanning errors during the second quarter of 2026. “This time of year brings more trips to the store for sunscreen, cookout essentials and other summertime needs,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “These inspections help identify and prevent price scanning errors so families can enjoy their time together instead of worrying about overpaying.”
The Quarry Road Fire has been burning in Shallotte since Friday, July 10. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lightning strike.Wildland firefighting personnel are continuing mop-up operations across the fire area. Mop-up is a critical phase during suppression because remaining burning debris may rekindle and threaten the integrity of a containment line. Mop-up is highly labor intensive. Wildland firefighters target areas of heat or hot spots, expose them to mineral soil and extinguish them to prevent the fire from escaping containment lines.
Acreage and Containment: Due to more accurate mapping, the fire is 283 acres in size and is now 50% contained. Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters. Acreage and containment updates can be tracked using the N.C. Forest Service Wildfire Public Viewer.---------------The Quarry Road Fire ignited Friday, July 10, in Shallotte. The cause of the fire was determined to be a lightning strike.
The Quarry Road Fire ignited Friday, July 10, in Shallotte. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.Wildland firefighting crews will continue to install fire lines, monitor and mop up smoldering organic fuels.
PLEASE BE AWARE: Firefighting engines and equipment are working and moving in the fire area. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, stay alert and avoid the area if possible.The Quarry Road Fire ignited Friday, July 10, in Shallotte. The N.C. Forest Service and Tri-Beach Fire Department remain in unified command of the Quarry Road Fire. Multiple personnel and equipment resources are engaged. N.C. Forest Service aircraft are providing aerial support for wildland firefighters on the ground.