North Carolina sweet potatoes will be the center of attention at the annual Sweet Potato Day at the State Farmers Market. The celebration features sweet potato dessert samples, free recipes and information about the health benefits of the vegetable.

North Carolina is the nation’s largest sweet potato producer. In 2009, N.C. sweet potato growers harvested 47,000 acres of the plant in the state. Nearly half of the sweet potatoes grown in the country come from North Carolina.

Thursday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Farmers Building, State Farmers Market,1201 Agriculture St.
Interstate 40, exit 297, Lake Wheeler Road

Sweet Potato Day is sponsored by N.C. Sweet Potato Commission, State Farmers Market Restaurant and the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.