The State Farmers Market has a full calendar of events and activities to celebrate North Carolina’s bounty of fall crops over the coming months. Apples, pumpkins and collards are some of the commodities that will be featured this fall.

On Thursday, Sept. 23, the State Farmers Market will celebrate the first day of autumn with Apple Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy fresh N.C. apples and sample an apple dessert. Free apple recipes and apple facts also will be available.

The 25th annual Great Pumpkin Contest will be held Thursday, Oct. 7. Creative children, teens and adults can submit their decorated pumpkins into the competition for a chance to win prize money. Contact the market for complete contest rules. Judging begins at 9:30 a.m. After the judging, spectators can sample fresh produce and shop for fall decorations in the Market Shoppes.

Colossal Collard Day, held Friday, Nov. 5, will be a celebration of a Southern fall staple. Locally grown collard greens will be on sale and freshly cooked samples will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., along with recipes, serving tips and nutritional information.

Just in time for the holiday shopping season, the State Farmers Market will host its annual Fall Craft Fair Nov.12-14. The event will feature more than 100 local crafters offering everything from wreaths and ornaments to pottery and jewelry. Craft booths will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the craft fair.

During Pecan Day Friday, Nov. 19, visitors can debate the pronunciation of the tasty nut as they try free pecan samples. Staff also will distribute free pecan recipes and educational information from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The first full week of December, Dec. 5-11, will be a Week of Giving at the State Farmers Market. During the annual event, the farmers market collects non-perishable food items and monetary donations to benefit the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. The organization distributes food to emergency food pantries in several surrounding counties.

This fall, the State Farmers Market will host Mike Raley and Ann Clapp for two live broadcasts of the “WPTF Weekend Gardener Show.” The first broadcast will take place Saturday, Oct. 9, with another broadcast on Saturday, Dec. 11, and both shows are from 8 to 11 a.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring their plants and gardening questions to be answered on-air. Additional Master Gardeners are available each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Farmers Area to answer questions and provide gardening tips.

In addition to these special events, State Farmers Market visitors can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from vendors, purchase gifts and household goods at the Market Shoppes, Super Sod and Market Imports, and enjoy a meal at the N.C. State Farmers Market Restaurant or N.C. Seafood Restaurant.

Calendar of Events:
• Apple Day, Thursday, Sept. 23; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Great Pumpkin Contest, Thursday, Oct. 7; 9:30 a.m.
• WPTF Weekend Gardener Show,  Saturday, Oct. 9; 8 to 11 a.m.
• Colossal Collard Day, Friday, Nov. 5; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Fall Craft Fair, Friday, Nov. 12, to Sunday, Nov. 14; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily
• Pecan Day, Friday, Nov. 19; 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Week of Giving, Sunday, Dec. 5, to Saturday, Dec. 11; daily
• WPTF Weekend Gardener Show, Saturday, Dec. 11; 8 to 11 a.m.
• Master Gardeners, Saturdays; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information about the events, agriculture, shops and restaurants available at the State Farmers Market, go to http://ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/raleigh/index.htm.