KANNAPOLIS ó Visitors to the N.C. Research Campus Farmers Market in July and August can discover ways to recycle rain water and celebrate national ice cream month.
N.C. Cooperative Extension staff in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, in conjunction with N.C. State University, present these and other events at the farmers market this summer.
Additional market events through August include a sizzling salsa taste test, sun safety session for children and a hand-washing demonstration to emphasize the importance of good hygiene to food safety.
Here’s a list of upcoming N.C. Cooperative Extension events at the Research Campus Farmers Market:
– July 30 Homemade Biltmore peach ice cream
July is National Ice Cream Month, and what better way to celebrate than with homemade Biltmore peach ice cream. Visit the Farmers Market as Jim Cowden, N.C. Cooperative Extension in Rowan County, gives out free scoops of this sweet summer favorite to the whole family.
– Aug. 6 Recycling the rain
Water is our most precious resource. Learn how to recycle and reuse rain water as Darrell Blackwelder, N.C. Cooperative Extension in Rowan County, explains the set-up and uses of rain barrels.
Visitors can place orders for rain barrels at the Farmers Market as well as enter a raffle for a free one.
– Aug. 13 Salsa sizzle
Cabarrus Extension and Community Association members will make fresh salsa from locally grown tomatoes for all to enjoy.
– Aug. 20 Test your soil with extension master gardeners.
Any farmer or backyard gardener who’s serious about success will have their soil tested. Here’s your chance to pick up soil test boxes and forms to send to the N.C. Department of Agriculture.
David Goforth and Extension Master Gardeners in Cabarrus County will be available to answer questions about soil.
– Aug. 27 Fun in the sun safety
Minnie Mitchell, N.C. Cooperative Extension in Cabarrus County, will provide an environmental session for youth and adults on ultraviolet (UV) protection and sun safety at this year’s Farmers Market.
Children can make sun bracelets with beads that change colors in the sun, letting them know when it’s time to head for the shade.
N.C. Research Campus Farmers Market events take place Thursday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. on West Avenue in downtown Kannapolis.
Events are scheduled throughout the 2009 farmers market, which runs until October 29. The full 2009 calendar of events can be found on the N.C. State University Program for Value-Added & Alternative Agriculture Web site.
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