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The Watauga Farmers Market Opens for the 2014 Season May 3; Come See What Your Neighbors are Growing

by Madison V. Fisler

April 29, 2014. There are just a few more days left until the 40th season of the Watauga County Farmers’ Market hits the ground running on Saturday, May 3 at the Horn in the West parking lot in Boone.

Since 1974, the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, which takes place each Saturday morning from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 3 through November is a High Country favorite that many residents and visitors make a weekly tradition.

Last year, the market got off to a rainy start, but even so, excited guests came out to support the local farmers with their dollars. This year, hopefully the weather will cooperate so everyone in the High Country can enjoy this local gem on its first day of the 2014 season.

This year on opening day, the market will feature plenty of local vendors selling crafts, homemade breads, jams and jellies, coffee, meats, eggs, honey and so much more. In addition to the normal fare at the market, opening day will also feature free raffles for Farmers’ Market gift certificates, live music an a local food cooking demonstration!

For the cooking demonstration, Join Sam Ratchford as he demonstrates how to make scrumptious meals out of local ingredients found at the farmers’ market. Ratchford is a two-time competitor in the Fire on the Rock competition dining series and is the executive chef at Vidalia Restaurant on King Street in Boone.

In the “Kids Korner” kids will be participating in the “green my plate” initiative with the Wheel of Green, a seed planting activity at the seed table, a “color your plate green” activity and a special talk about healthy eating with the “veggie people” the Hearns.

Live music for the morning will be provided by the Fat Face Band. To check out the band’s music, click here.

And that is just on opening day!

Each Saturday morning during the season, up to 70 vendors offer quality local products in one of the largest and liveliest markets in western North Carolina. Come and visit from May through November to experience the sounds, smells, tastes, and friendly atmosphere of the High Country.

For more information about the Watauga County Farmers’ Market, click here or call 828-355-4918.

Check out photos from last year’s opening day and come out to see and support your local farmers and craftsmen.

Photos by Ken Ketchie

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