The local watermelon season is under way and farmers markets across the state are celebrating with special events for the public.

“We’re so proud of the state’s $24 million watermelon crop, and the local growers who produce something so synonymous with summer,” Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said.

To celebrate watermelon season, the state-operated farmers markets in Asheville, Raleigh and Colfax will be holding Watermelon Day celebrations over the next few weeks. Previous Watermelon Days were held at markets in Charlotte and Lumberton.

The Western N.C. Farmers Market in Asheville will hold its Watermelon Day Friday, July 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will include free watermelon slices, raffle drawings for watermelons and other prizes, a watermelon seed-spitting contest and watermelon-eating contest for children. Rachel J. Chavez, the reigning N.C. Watermelon Queen also will be on hand to greet visitors.

On Thursday, Aug. 2, the State Farmers Market in Raleigh will hold its own watermelon celebration from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visitors can enjoy free samples of watermelon, watch as N.C. growers compete in the largest-watermelon contest and meet the N.C. Watermelon Queen.

The Piedmont Triad Farmers Market in Colfax will celebrate Watermelon Day Friday, Aug. 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes a visit from the N.C. Watermelon Queen and free watermelon samples.

North Carolina is the eighth largest producer of watermelon in the nation. The local watermelon season runs from July 1 through early Sept. For more information about the crop or upcoming watermelon events, contact NCDA&CS Marketing Specialist Nick Augostini at 919-707-3125 or nick.augostini@ncagr.gov.