Wake Forest DRC

Events & Announcements

Special Events

MONTHLY 'ART AFTER HOURS'
On the second Friday night of each month the streets of Downtown Wake Forest come alive with food, merchants and music! We invite you to come and experience the dining, art and retail merchants of Downtown Wake Forest. Shops and galleries are open late with art exhibits and receptions and check out the restaurants downtown that display the artwork of local artists. Don't miss out on the FREE horse and carriage rides!! Enjoy a romantic evening or have a fun night out with friends or out-of-town guests. There's fun to be had in Downtown Wake Forest!

WAKE FOREST FARMERS' MARKET
Located in the heart of Historic Downtown Wake Forest in the 'Gazebo' municipal parking lot.

Come to Historic Downtown Wake Forest to find a collection of local and independent farmers, bakers, artists, musicians, and craftspeople who grow or make our own products.

Over the years, the Wake Forest Farmers' Market has grown into a lively community event each Saturday morning. With over 30 vendors, we offer our own fresh-off-the-farm produce; pasture-raised beef, poultry, and pork; free-range eggs; fresh and dried herbs; honey, jams, and preserves; fresh-cut flowers; and delicious baked goods. The majority of our farm products are raised using environmentally sustainable agricultural practices, which are healthy for the soil, water, air, animals, and YOU!

Bring your family, friends and neighbors and enjoy a wonderful Saturday morning in the fresh air of our friendly outdoor market.

Join us on Saturdays, 8am-Noon.

Locally Grown Food:
Vendors are located within a 75-mile radius of Wake Forest

Consumer education:
- promote healthy eating habits
- better understanding conventional, organic and processed foods
- Master Gardener advice
- learning about what grows in your community
- understanding the importance of farming and why efforts should be made to preserve local farms
- cooking classes

For more information on this local farmers' market visit: http://www.wakeforestmarket.org/

From the Department of Agriculture...
Farmers markets are an integral part of the urban/farm linkage and have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. Farmers markets allow consumers to have access to locally grown, farm fresh produce, enables farmers the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with their customers, and cultivate consumer loyalty with the farmers who grows the produce. Direct marketing of farm products through farmers markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. Today, there are more than 4,300 farmers markets operating throughout the nation.

Facts About Farmers Markets?

Direct marketing of farm products through farmers markets continues to be an important sales outlet for agricultural producers nationwide. Farmers markets, now an integral part in the urban/farm linkage, have continued to rise in popularity, mostly due to the growing consumer interest in obtaining fresh products directly from the farm. In 2006, the farmers market directory listed 4,385 farmers markets operating in the United States, representing an 18 percent increase from 3,706 farmers markets in 2004. This growth clearly indicates that farmers markets are meeting the needs of a growing number of farmers with small- to medium-size operations.

Who Benefits from Farmers Markets?

·    Small farm operators: Those with less than $250,000 in annual receipts who work and manage their own operations meet this definition (94 percent of all farms).

·    Farmers and consumers: Farmers have direct access to markets to supplement farm income. Consumers have access to locally grown, farm-fresh produce and the opportunity to personally interact with the farmer who grows the produce.

·    The community: Many urban communities where fresh, nutritious foods are scarce gain easy access to food. Farmers markets also help to promote nutrition education, wholesome eating habits, and better food preparation, as well as boosting the community’s economy.

2000 USDA Farmers Market Study Statistics

·     Farmers markets are an important source of revenue. 19,000 farmers reported selling their produce only at farmers markets.

·     82 percent of markets are self-sustaining; market income is sufficient to pay for all costs associated with the operation of the market (not including grant or in-kind support).

·     58 percent of markets participate in WIC coupon, food stamps, local and/or State nutrition programs.

·     25 percent of markets participate in gleaning programs aiding food recovery organizations in the distribution of food and food products to needy families.

Click here to view the 2008 Prospective Plantings in North Carolina
http://www.ncagr.com/stats/release/CropRelease03.pdf

LIGHTING OF WAKE FOREST

Friday, December 5, 2008 7 pm until 8:30 pm
Located along S. White Street in Historic Downtown Wake Forest

This event launches the Holiday Season in Wake Forest. It is an evening event where the community gathers to see the holiday lights turned down in a 'Count-down Event'. The evening is filled with fun activities for the entire family starting with live holiday music and singing performed by local school and church groups. And don't forget Santa's arrival!! Welcome Santa as he arrives on a horse and carriage.

Come have a cider and enjoy the light displays and wonderfully decorated store windows celebrating the season. This is a great time to get into the holiday spirit. And don't forget to bring that shopping list!! Local merchants and restaurants will be open late that evening providing the perfect opportunity to buy unique and special items for your loved ones. Gift certificates are also available at downtown stores and restaurants.

Santa will be available at the South White Street Gazebo to hear special gift requests from children. Parents may take photos with their cameras or the WF DRC will be taking digital photos. A contact sheet of digital photos will be available to CVS Downtown on Monday for parents to purchase photos for as low as $0.29.

To learn more about this event or if you would like to participate or volunteer contact the DRC office at 570-1372 or send us an email at info@wakeforestdowntown.com.

WAKE FOREST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARADE
Please join us for another wonderful event in historic downtown Wake Forest! The Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday December 13 at 1 pm along South White Street, Wait Avenue and South Brooks Street. This festive holiday event is a wonderful time to experience Downtown Wake Forest and celebrate with the entire community!

All of the available slots in this year's Christmas Parade have been taken. If you would like to be notified when applications will be accepted for the 2009 Christmas Parade, please email info@wakeforestdowntown.com with 2009 Christmas Parade in the subject line.