The State Farmers Market in Raleigh will host Watermelon Day on Thursday, Aug. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will feature free watermelon slices, live music, face painting, and recipes for visitors to take home. Vendors at the market will offer a variety of North Carolina-grown watermelons for sale. Attendees will also have the chance to meet Elizabeth Steinlage, the N.C. Watermelon Queen.
“Watermelon Day is always a highlight of the summer,” said Monica Wood, manager of the State Farmers Market. “It’s a great day to bring the community together to enjoy the summer flavors that are grown right here in North Carolina.”
A weigh-in contest for the largest watermelon will begin at noon, with $2,000 in prize money available for winners through fourth place. Each grower may enter only one melon, and all entries must be grown in North Carolina. Entries will be accepted from 11 to 11:30 a.m., and the winning watermelon will be displayed at the State Farmers Market Restaurant after the contest. The competition is organized in partnership with the N.C. Watermelon Association and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The State Farmers Market operates year-round and offers local produce including fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, specialty foods, as well as seasonal products from nurseries and farms across North Carolina. Shoppers can visit daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., with more information about events available on their website or Facebook page.
