Source:  NCDA&CS, 7/12/10

North Carolina peach growers are having an exceptional year, and the State Farmers Market is celebrating with Peach Day Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The annual event features free samples of N.C. peaches and peach ice cream, an appearance by the N.C. Peach Queen Madelyn Varner and a peach dessert contest.

Contest participants will have a chance to win $175 in total prize money. The contest is divided into two categories, one for adults and one for children 12 years and under. Desserts can be dropped off at the State Farmers Market office between 8 and 10 a.m., with judging beginning at 10 a.m. Dishes will be judged on taste, appearance, quality and creative use of peaches. After judging, winners will be announced at the Peach Day exhibit in the Farmers Building.

All entries must be in throwaway containers and include the complete recipe with cooking instructions, along with the contestant’s name, address and telephone number. Each recipe must include at least two cups of N.C. peaches, and peaches must be a main ingredient.

The North Carolina peach season runs from the end of May through September. In 2008, N.C. peach growers produced 5,600 tons of peaches. Shoppers can find local peaches at farmers markets, roadside stands and grocery stores across the state.

Peach Day is sponsored by the N.C. Peach Growers Society, N.C. Dairy Industry Promotion Committee, the State Farmers Market and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more information about N.C. peaches, a listing of other peach celebrations and the complete dessert contest rules, go to www.ncpeach.com.