Source: NCDA&CS, 12/9/14

The State Farmers Market will be a great place to find locally made holiday gifts Saturday during the Market Shoppes Open House. The annual event will feature free samples from market vendors and prize drawings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vendors will be selling an assortment of products including N.C. meats and cheeses, fresh seafood from the coast, jams and jellies, wines from across the state and homemade baked goods. Shoppers also can find unique gift baskets, crafts, candles and soaps, and get custom picture framing done. Hot dogs, ice cream, coffee and candy also will be for sale.

In addition, Mike Raley and Anne Clapp of WPTF-AM’s “Weekend Gardener” show will answer gardening questions during a live broadcast from the farmers market from 8-11 a.m. There also will be free food samples and giveaways during the show.
As part of the season of giving, the State Farmers Market will be collecting non-perishable food items to donate to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle. Shoppers wishing to participate can drop off items under the giving tree in the Market Shoppes.

The State Farmers Market is located at 1201 Agriculture St., off exit 297 on Interstate 40. The market is open year-round Monday through Saturday from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information and a schedule of events are available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.