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RALEIGH – On Thursday, Sept. 11, the State Farmers Market will host its first-ever Seafood Day highlighting the state’s seafood and aquaculture industries. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature cooking demonstrations, free samples and educational information.

“The state’s seafood and aquaculture industries have a significant impact on local economies, with a combined value of nearly $130 million,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “That’s great for local communities, but also great for consumers who enjoy seafood. Whether it’s caught off the North Carolina coast or farm raised in a local town, you can’t beat the quality and taste of fresh North Carolina seafood.”

Shoppers will have a chance to taste the freshness of local seafood during Seafood Day. Chef Tom Armstrong of Vinnie’s Steakhouse in Raleigh will be on-hand preparing seafood dishes to sample. There also will be educational exhibits on the state’s seafood industry provided by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, N.C. Catch and N.C. Aquaculture Association.

The State Farmers Market is located at 1201 Agriculture Street in Raleigh. A variety of late-summer and early-fall produce is now available including tomatoes, corn, apples, muscadine grapes and greens. In addition, shoppers can find locally made meats, cheeses, wines and specialty products, as well as plants and shrubs for fall plantings. Visitors also can find unique home and garden accessories at Market Imports and enjoy a meal at one of three restaurants located on-site. More information is available at www.statefarmersmarket.org.