Alcorn’s Natchez Farmers Market to host Extension Awareness Day, Fruit and Vegetable Festival
The Alcorn State University Natchez Farmers Market will host its third annual Fruit and Vegetable Festival and seventh Extension Awareness Day Saturday, July 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 199 St. Catherine Street, Natchez, Mississippi, according to Helen D. Brooks, marketing coordinator for the Alcorn State University Extension Program (ASUEP) Natchez Farmers Market.
First held in 2011, the festival quickly gained popularity as both an educational and entertainment event.
This year, the public will have a chance to sample food items prepared according to healthy modified recipes using locally grown produce. Seasonally fresh produce such as watermelons, cantaloupes, peas, okra, several varieties of squashes, blueberries, and much more will be available for purchase.
“These modified recipes will demonstrate to the participants that you can eat healthy and maintain the delicious flavor you are accustomed to,” said Brooks. “The public will also be exposed to Alcorn’s Extension programming areas which are 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences and community resource development.
Food demonstrations will be provided by Jarita Frazer-King, ASUEP Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program educator, and Edith Ezweke, nutrition specialist in the Department of Human Sciences, Jardana Brice and Lela Shelby, both from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, Family and Nutrition Program, Aaron Thomas, fresh seafood supplier, as well as participants in the ASUEP Health and Wellness Program from Mt. Bethel Baptist Church.
The event will be broadcasted live by Alcorn’s radio station WPRL- FM 91.7 – “The Gold”.
Upcoming events at the Natchez Farmers Market include:
- 10th annual Pumpkin Carving Contest, October, 25
- Fifth annual Youth Art Competition, December 6
For additional information on the Natchez Farmers Market, contact Brooks at (601) 442-4648, (601) 807-0376 or [email protected].
