Source: NCDA&CS, 11/8/17

The State Farmers Market has a variety of special events planned for shoppers this holiday season. Activities kick off with the annual Fall Craft Fair, Nov. 10-12.

“A lot of people know the State Farmers Market is a great location for fresh produce during the summer,” said Ronnie Best, market manager. “What they may not know is that we are open year-round, offering everything you need for the holidays from the turkey and sides, to Christmas trees and decorations. Plus, the market is a great place to find one-of-a-kind gift ideas for everyone on your list.”

The State Farmers Market will host its annual Fall Craft Fair Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The event will feature dozens of local crafters and artisans with handmade gifts available for purchase. Crafters will offer candles, jewelry, ornaments, pottery, quilts, soaps, stained glass, woodworking and more. Vendors will be set up throughout the Farmers Building, Market Shoppes and Craft Shed.

Another great event at the market is its annual Collard Day Friday, Nov. 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors will be able to enjoy free collard samples and plenty of fresh, locally grown collards for sale. Colossal Collard Day will be held in the event area, which is located between the N.C. Seafood Restaurant and the garden section of the Farmers building.

In December, the State Farmers Market will sponsor a Month of Giving to benefit Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the market and place them under the giving tree in Market Shoppes. Monetary donations for the hunger-relief agency also will be accepted.

On Dec. 1, the market will host Pecan Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features free samples of N.C. pecans and a dessert prepared by the State Farmers Market Restaurant. In addition, fresh N.C. pecans will be available for purchase from market vendors.

Special events wrap up with the annual Market Shoppes Open House on Saturday, Dec. 9. Shoppers can find N.C. specialty food items, wines, cheeses and meats for their holiday parties. In addition, vendors will have countless gift ideas to finish out your holiday shopping.

The State Farmers Market is one of four state-operated farmers markets located across North Carolina. The market offers seasonal produce, fresh meats and seafood, and a large variety of specialty products. The market is also home to Market Imports, Super-Sod and three restaurants. More information about all the upcoming events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.