Source:  NCDA&CS, 7/2/10

Visitors to the five state-operated farmers markets will be able to sample delicious North Carolina watermelons at Watermelon Day events in July and August. The events celebrate the state’s watermelon season, which runs from July through August.

“Watermelons are a great summer tradition for many families,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “The season is off to a good start and shoppers should find plenty of North Carolina watermelons at farmers markets, roadside stands and grocery stores.”

Annual events will take place at the following locations on the following days:

• July 9 -- Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
• July 10 -- Southeastern N.C. Farmers Market, Lumberton
• July 16 -- Western N.C. Farmers Market, Asheville
• Aug. 5 -- Raleigh Farmers Market
• Aug. 6 -- Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, Colfax

All events will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and are free. Visitors can enjoy watermelon slices, meet the state’s watermelon queen -- Madelyn Varner of Denton -- and pick up brochures with nutritional information and recipes.

North Carolina ranks eighth nationally in watermelon production, and in recognition, Gov. Bev Perdue has declared July as North Carolina Watermelon Month. In 2009, farmers grew 7,000 acres of watermelon, said Nick Augostini, marketing specialist with the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.