RALEIGH – The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages travelers to make on-farm experiences a part of their summer plans.

This month, there also are special Mother’s Day celebrations and Memorial Day events planned throughout the month.

Following is a list of upcoming events. Visitors are encouraged to verify event dates and hours of operations before they go.

18 – Ellerbe Strawberry Festival in downtown Ellerbe celebrates strawberry season with music, food vendors, arts and crafts and more.

18 – North River Farms in Mills River will hold its annual Mills River Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event includes performances by American Idol Meghan Woods, Levi Orr and Lonesome Road. There also will be hot-air balloon rides and educational activities.

18 – Whippoorwill Academy and Village will host its annual Tom Dooley Festival in Ferguson from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event includes live music, films about Tom Dooley, old-time demonstrations and more.

18-19 – Ardea Homestead Sanctuary in Kings Mountain will host a series of educational workshops. This weekend, visitors can learn how to identify trees and forage for wild plants.

25 – Briar Creek Nursery and Kidz Zone in Rocky Mount will hold an open house where kids can play in the splash pad, ball pit and sand pit.

25 – Sandy Creek Farm in Lexington will have a Bee Yard Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. offering guests the chance to learn more about honey bees.

25 & 27 – Millstone Creek Orchard in Ramseur will hold its 15th birthday bash. The orchard also will feature special berry and peach celebrations in June and July.