More than anything else, farmers need customers. That's why a new Fall Festival in Wayne County, N.C., with the goal of introducing consumers to local farmers, has lots of potential benefit for local farmers.
The event, slated for Sept. 16, will be hosted by the Center for Environmental Farming Systems and the Cherry Research Farm in Goldsboro. It will promote farmers in Wayne, Johnston and other nearby counties.
The event will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and organizers promise demonstrations and tours, as well as activities for children. Organizers say there will be some great food on hand featuring local products. Live music will be performed throughout the day.
Local farmers can sell their locally grown produce at booths that rent for $10 per 10-foot x 10-foot space. Perhaps more importantly, they can make contact with consumers who might make arrangements with them to purchase produce and other farm products from them over the long term.
Booth space is $25 for exhibitors desiring to sell products dealing with informational topics.
Educational exhibitors who want to learn more about the event should contact Lisa Forehand at (919) 513-0954. For information on marketing farm products at the festival, farmers should contact Steve Moore at (919) 731-3440. Those wanting to rent exhibit space must make arrangements before August 15.
The Center for Environmental Systems is located near Cherry Hospital just outside of Goldsboro, N.C. The address is 201 Steven's Mill Road.
CEFS was established in 1994 through a joint effort of N.C. State University, N.C. A&T University and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Learn more about CEFS and about the Fall Festival on the Internet at www.cefs.ncsu.edu/.