Source: NCDA&CS, 3/10/14

The State Farmers Market will kick off its spring season of special events with its annual Spring Craft Fair. The event will run March 14-16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Spring Craft Fair will feature local crafters and artisans selling a variety of handmade items. Shoppers will find ornamental garden accessories and spring floral arrangements; woodworking items and pottery; and handcrafted fashion pieces such as jewelry and handbags. The fair also will feature crocheted baby blankets, quilted items, hand-woven baskets and more.

The State Farmers Market hosts commodity days and other special events throughout the year. These free events are open to the public. Other upcoming events include N.C. Arbor Day, March 22; Greenhouse Vegetable Day, April 17; Strawberry Day, May 1; and Blueberry Day, June 19.

“Many people primarily think of visiting farmers markets in the summer when the market is full of produce, plants and farm products, but the State Farmers Market and other state-operated farmers markets are open year-round,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “In fact, right now you can find sweet potatoes, collards, kale, spinach, greenhouse tomatoes, and even tunnel-grown strawberries at the market.”

In addition to fresh produce, the Market Shoppes offers a variety of local plants, seafood, meats and cheeses, cakes and pies, jams and jellies and other food items. Visitors also can find home and garden décor at Market Imports. They also can enjoy a meal at the Market Grill, N.C. Seafood Restaurant or State Farmers Market Restaurant.

The market is located at 1201 Agriculture St. in Raleigh, off exit 297 on Interstate 40. More information about the market and a complete schedule of events is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.