Support Local Food with Fun Times!

Raise your hand if you like any (or all) of the following:  lively musical performances, thrilling amusement rides, delicious foods, craft brews, laughter, happy people.  If you did not raise your hand at least once, there is probably no reason to continue reading this blog and you can go back to whatever boring task engages you; however, if you want to enjoy yourself while you support North Carolina agriculture, read on . . .

Celebrate Local Food!

As most communities enjoy cooler temperatures and summer crop harvests slow, growers and local food supporters can look forward to celebrating our state's delicious bounty at numerous events.  Here is a sampling of where and when to join the fun.  

The Carolina Jubilee Festival
Sponsored by Charlotte local non-profit Carolina Farm Trust, the Jubilee is a two-day live music event, scheduled for October 16-17 on the grounds of beautiful VanHoy Farms, in Harmony, NC.  In addition to an extensive line-up of musical talent, local foods, beer and wines will be featured and vendors and organizations with focus on clean energy and promotion of eco-friendly products will be on hand to showcase their services and wares.  All profits go to Carolina Farm Land Trust to help preserve North Carolina's farms for future generations.  Campsites are available or attendees may purchase single day tickets.   For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Carolina Farm Trust

NC Agricultural Fairs
For thrilling rides, heart-throbbing competitions, agricultural product displays and treats like cotton candy and hot funnel cakes, plan to visit one of the many fairs held throughout the state.  In addition to Raleigh's NC State Fair, October 15-25, where you can cheer racing potbellied pigs, ducks and pygmy goats, many other fairs offer unique events and opportunities to meet real farmers.  For the full schedule of fairs, visit NC Department of Agriculture 

Central Fair prizes won by Karen Glasscock

PepperFest, Sponsored by Abundance NC Foundation
From the first tantalizing whiff of roasting peppers, visitors to the 8th annual PepperFest, held this year on Sunday, September 27th, at Chapel Hill's Great Meadow Park at Briar Chapel, will be in for all things pepper, from sweetly mild to blisteringly hot.  Chefs, farmers and beverage makers will showcase talents and The Stacks and Brett Harris will perform live music.  DIY workshops in Aquaponics and Beekeeping will inform adult attendees while children will enjoy Pepperpalooza activities.  For more information and to purchase tickets, visit PepperFest 2015 

Plethora of Heart & Sole Gardens Peppers