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FRESH PRODUCE AND FUN SLATED FOR ANNUAL FARMERS MARKET DAY
MONTGOMERY Fresh produce from Alabama farmers will be featured at the annual Farmers Market Day set for July 8 at the State Farmers Market in Montgomery.
Farm-fresh produce is a familiar sight at the market, but the annual Farmers Market Day, which began more than 20 years ago, focuses on more than just good food bargains. It's a way for shoppers to meet and mingle with the farmers who grow the food they eat, said Mac Johnson of Montgomery who has helped coordinate the event since it began.
"This is the freshest produce straight from the farm at an affordable price," Johnson said. "All the produce that will be for sale at Farmers Market Day has to be grown in Alabama. We'll have judges who will select the best produce from categories that include okra, peas, butter beans, nectarines, plums, peaches, blueberries, sweet corn, long and round watermelons, cantaloupes and tomatoes. The farmers who win first and second place in each category will receive a cash prize and the winning baskets will be auctioned off to the crowd."
But, Johnson added, having a prize-winning basket has a lot more to do with the farmer's pride in what he has produces than with the prize money he wins.
All activities are free and begin at 7 a.m. Door prizes will be given away throughout the day with the winning baskets being auctioned off at 11 a.m. Contests in corn shucking and watermelon eating are among the most popular attractions of the day, Johnson said.
"Farmers Market Day has been very successful over the years and attracts farmers from throughout the state," Johnson said. "Some shoppers come and spend several hours browsing over the produce or participating in the games. We want to invite everyone to come out and enjoy a good time and some good Alabama-grown produce."
The State Farmers Market is located next to Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery. For more information contact Nick Zorn at (334)242-5350.
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