Kevin Starr
County Extension Director
N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

APPLE FESTIVAL FARMERS MARKET


The Lincoln County Farmers Market is having a very good year at its new shelter on West Water Street in Lincolnton. But when the Lincoln County Apple Festival is held on
Saturday, September 20, the market will be in operation a short distance away in front of the library on West Main Street in Lincolnton.
The following information is provided for anyone with an interest in possibly selling in this area.

There have been some major policy changes in the festival which affect vendors. All festival vendors must participate in an orientation regarding these policies. The next orientation will be on Thursday, August 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the James W. Warren Citizens Center. (THERE ARE NO REGULAR FESTIVAL BOOTHS AVAILABLE). Farmers market vendors may sign up for a spot following the session. If it’s not possible to attend, interested persons should call 704-736-8452 to schedule an appointment.

Lincoln County Farmers Market vendors (both Lincolnton and Denver) will receive priority based on the number of days they have sold at either location of the market. The deadline to sign up is Friday, September 5. The fee is $25 per space.

Some items allowed at the regular farmers market (such as crafts) are not allowed in this special festival area. Farmers may sell the following items which they produce -- vegetables, fruits (other than apples), honey, plants, and cut flowers. Fruit juices and ciders, jams, and jellies are allowed if the fruit was grown by the seller and processed according to all applicable government regulations. Jams and jellies processed at home must be prepared in a kitchen inspected by the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Boiled and roasted peanuts are allowed if the peanuts were grown by the seller. Among the many items which can't be sold in this area are crafts, processed foods such as pickles, salsa, wine, meat, and baked goods.

I encourage festival visitors to support all the apple growers and the other farmers who sell at this special event. You’ll be getting fresh quality products and helping support local food producers.

For more information, call Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8452.