A Hashtag You Should Use (Even If You Don’t Understand Them)

In tomorrow night’s Chick-Fil-A bowl, when the Duke University Blue Devils take on Texas A&M, 8.65 million viewers will see #GoDurham on the coaches’ headsets. The Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau (DCVB), The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Durham, Inc. have teamed up to pay for this placement as a beginning step in a larger initiative to market Durham as a sports visitation destination.

Hashtags, a phrase used in a social media posts preceded by a number, or pound, sign (#) are essentially a filing system for social content. They allow social media users (mostly in Twitter) to follow or participate in conversations or topics, and they are used in marketing a promotion or a product.

“Sports visitation in Durham is an increasingly high priority for us, and Duke playing in this bowl game is a great visibility opportunity. We want Durham hotels full on football weekends, so we decided to take it to the next level by giving away a weekend in Durham, too,” said Shelly Green, President and CEO of DCVB.

Everyone in Durham, residents and businesses alike, are encouraged to use the #GoDurham hashtag on all their messaging! That tag is being used to push a campaign, "The Great Durham Touchdown Getaway Giveaway," to get people to enter a giveaway contest to win a weekend in Durham to see the Blue Devils play a home football game. Hashtags themselves can be clicked on in social media platforms so that users can see everything related to that topic that has been posted. DCVB hopes fans will do that during the game, as well as afterward, to see what’s happening in the conversation, participate in the conversation, and ultimately to see who won the giveaway when the winner is announced

The Bureau has built a webpage for people to enter the contest, www.godurham.net, and DCVB encourages everyone in Durham to show their support for Duke and for Durham by using the hashtag today, tomorrow especially, and through the week up until Sunday night as they drive attention to that website. “Durham’s strong sense of community is something in which everyone here feels pride.  We’re tapping into that and getting folks to use the hashtag, tweet their support for Duke in the game, and for Durham as a community, and to mention the contest and website to their friends and followers while they are at it,” Green added.

Social media is an important tool in sports marketing. “Hashtags are so commonly used in social media-based sports marketing that soccer matches in the UK have them for each game. In the US, auto racing has seen a dramatic rise in their use, and other sports are seeing a significant uptick in use, too, so we know that the propensity to tweet and tag during a game is there,” said Sam Poley, DCVB’s Public Relations Director. “We see this hashtag, and others we will be promoting that are more definitively oriented to sports, as ways to keep fans engaged in the conversation about Durham and sports.  The weekend giveaway is to give one lucky winner a taste of how awesome Durham is in every other aspect, too,” Poley added.

The contest winner will be announced on Monday, February 3rd. The prize includes two round trip tickets to RDU International Airport from anywhere in the continental US that Delta Airlines flies, two nights at the Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club, dinners at some of Durham’s Celebrated Cuisine restaurants, two premium seats to a Duke Home Football game, and package of premium Duke Sports memorabilia. All of these components were donated by the named entities.

“Driving this conversation in social media is a community-wide effort.  We’re hoping Duke and Durham fans everywhere will jump in and participate,” Poley said.  DCVB and Duke will have social media teams online during the game.

Some tools for those who want to support this effort:

• The hashtag is #GoDurham
• The website for the contest is www.godurham.net
• The shortened version of that is durh.am/win
• Suggested Tweets: 

• Cheer for Duke in the Chick-fil-A bowl, and enter at durh.am/win to win a weekend in Durham, too! #GoDurham 

• Durham is a great place for sports! Enter at durh.am/win for a weekend trip to see a Duke Football home game. #GoDurham

• Come enjoy sports in Durham! Enter at durh.am/win for a weekend trip to see a Duke Football home game. #GoDurham 

• The hashtag will work on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, too.

Learn more about visiting Durham online.

Kwanzaa Celebration at Hayti Heritage Center Dec 27

Access to culturally diverse celebrations and activities is plentiful and easy in Durham.  Tonight is a great example as people are invited to kick off their shoes, get ready to dance, eat and celebrate Durham's African-American community at the Hayti Heritage Center's annual Kwanzaa Celebration!

The focus of this year's event is Kugichagulia, the Swahili word for self-determination. Festivities take place tonight, December 27 from 5-9:30 PM. Performances include diasporic music from Elements of Percussion, dancing with Collage Dance Company, a healing “griot” session with The Magic of African Rhythm, and surprise guests! Bantaba will be hosted by Chuck Davis. There will also be an African-style marketplace showcasing original artwork by local artists, cultural books, clothing, jewelry, and more.

Dinner plates with vegan and vegetarian options. Come early, plates are available, but sell out quickly. All proceeds benefit Collage Dance Company.

Doors open at 5 PM with ceremonies and performances from 7-8:30 PM. Suggested donations are $1 for Children, $3 for adults, but no one will be turned away.

Learn more about Durham and it's rich African-American heritage online.

  

DCVB's Bizzell Makes the Cover

A lot goes into the decision of where a group will hold their annual meeting or convention. When a site is picked you can be sure that someone from that community worked hard behind the scenes to make it happen.

Credit: MPI and The Meeting Professional
magazine

Fortunately for Durham, a very experienced professional is at the helm of that process, and he continues to garner attention for his sales skill and success.  In fact, the cover of the December 2013 issue of The Meeting Professional magazine bears a sharply-dressed man; none other than Corey D. Bizzell, the Vice President of Group Sales & Business Development for DCVB.

In a statement, Bizzell addresses the role he plays in creating demand for Durham’s economy, and the role Meeting Professionals International (MPI) has played for him. "I am humbled by this exposure. My 10 years in MPI have afforded opportunities for education, career building, and networking that have been instrumental in my career success thus far. Sharing some of what I have learned in the article on essential job skills by an organization that has helped me evolve as a professional was truly a 360 degree experience. I use these skills to bring people to Durham for business, and I know they come back for leisure visits, too," Bizzell said.

The Meeting Professional, an international publication with a readership of 75,000 recognizes Bizzell’s efforts in helping Durham become the celebrated place it is today. The cover story features tips from Bizzell on the essential skills necessary to thrive in the meeting and convention industry, as well as insights on what drives success in that field. Bizzell will continue to use those skills for Durham’s benefit, filling hotel rooms and meeting space all over Durham.

Learn more about bringing group meetings and conventions to Durham online.

Most City of Durham Offices Closed for Christmas & New Year’s Holidays

The City of Durham has recently announced holiday closing information for residents.

Most City of Durham administrative offices will be closed Monday, December 23, Tuesday, December 24, and Wednesday, December 25, 2013 as well as Wednesday, January 1, 2014 in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Police, fire, and rescue services for life-threatening or in-progress emergencies may be reached by calling 9-1-1. Non-emergency problems or concerns may be directed to (919) 560-4600. Residents are asked to take note of the following changes in other City services and programs.

Solid Waste, Recycling, Yard Waste, and Bulky Item Curbside Collections
The City’s Solid Waste Management Department will be closed on Wednesday, December 25. Collection for all services, which includes solid waste, recycling, yard waste, and bulky items, will be delayed by one business for the remainder of this week. Customers who would normally receive their bulky item and yard waste collection on Friday, December 27 will instead receive their collection on Monday, December 30.

The department will also be closed on Wednesday, January 1. All collections for solid waste, recycling, yard waste, and bulky items will again be delayed by one business day for the remainder of this week. Customers who would normally receive their bulky item and yard waste collection on Friday, January 3 will instead receive their collection on Monday, January 6. For more information, click here.

Residents are reminded to place their carts at the curb by 7 a.m. the day of their scheduled collections and to return garbage, recycling, and yard waste containers back to their home, away from street, curb, and sidewalk. As traffic increases during the holiday season, motorists are also asked to be aware of collection crews working in neighborhoods and other high-traffic areas.

Waste Disposal and Recycling Center
The City's Waste Disposal and Recycling Center (Transfer Station) will close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24 be closed on Wednesday, December 25 as well as Wednesday, January 1. It will operate under its normal schedule on all other dates. For more information, click here.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center
The City's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center will close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24 and be closed on Wednesday, December 25 as well as Wednesday, January 1.Since the center is normally closed on Mondays, it will operate under its normal schedule on all other dates. For more information, click here.

Curbside Christmas Tree Collection
The Solid Waste Management Department will collect Christmas trees from all solid waste customers beginning December 26 until March 1. Trees should be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on residents’ normal household garbage collection day. Residents are asked to leave the tree at the curb for one week before contacting Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 to report a missed tree collection. Trees taller than six feet should be cut in half. Residents should remove all decorations and hardware, including tinsel, lights, garland, ornaments, nails, and stands. Residents are also asked to not place trees in bags. Trees may also be dropped off at the City’s Waste Disposal & Recycling Center at 2115 E. Club Blvd., Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon at no charge until March 1. Customers are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing. Trees delivered after March 1 will be subject to the usual disposal fees.

Remember To Recycle
Residents are encouraged to recycle year-round and particularly during the holiday season when the amounts of trash generated increases. Paper holiday waste, including wrapping paper (non-metallic only), cardboard boxes, and greeting cards may be placed in the blue recycling cart. To learn more about recycling, click here.

Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) will close its administrative office, all recreation centers, and all indoor rental sites from Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, December 25. The administrative office, all recreation centers, and all indoor rental sites will reopen under their normal operating schedules on Thursday, December 26. DPR will also close its administrative office, all recreation centers, and all indoor rental sites on Wednesday, January 1. Recreation centers will close at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31.The administrative office, all recreation centers, and indoor rental sites will reopen under their normal operating schedules on Thursday, January 2. For more information, click here, “like” on Facebook, or call (919) 560-4355.

Durham Area Transit Authority
On Monday, December 23, all fixed route service on DATA and DATA ACCESS will operate from 5:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. The Bull City Connector will operate from 6:22 a.m. until 10 p.m. However, DATA and DATA ACCESS administrative offices will be closed. On Tuesday, December 24, Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) and DATA ACCESS will operate from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Bull City Connector service will operate from 7:20 a.m. to 7 p.m. DATA ACCESS administrative offices will be closed. On Wednesday, December 25, DATA, DATA ACCESS, and the Bull City Connector will not operate and DATA and DATA ACCESS administrative offices will be closed. On Tuesday, December 31, all fixed route service on DATA and DATA ACCESS will operate from 5:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. The Bull City Connector service will operate from 6:22 a.m. until midnight. On Wednesday, January 1 all fixed route service on DATA and DATA ACCESS will operate its holiday schedule from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. The Bull City Connector will operate from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. However, DATA and DATA ACCESS administrative offices will be closed. For more information on DATA and DATA ACCESS, click here, “like” on Facebook, or call (919) 485-RIDE. For more information on the Bull City Connector, visit their website, “like” on Facebook, or “follow” on Twitter.

Durham One Call
Durham One Call will be closed on Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, December 25 as well as Wednesday, January 1. The center will also close one hour early on Tuesday, December 31 at 5 p.m. However, residents may complete an online service request by visiting the City’s website, or by leaving a message at (919) 560-1200. Durham One Call will forward all requests for City services to the appropriate department on December 2. For information about the City’s holiday schedule and any other services that may be affected, contact Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Learn more about Durham at www.durham-nc.com.

This Week at the Durham Farmers' Market

I feel like it is safe to say that everyone is familiar with broccoli and cauliflower. But are you familiar with the odd looking, light green spikey head that is often displayed in and around broccoli and cauliflower at the Market (pictured)? Well, that odd looking vegetable is called Romanesco broccoli!

Romanesco is related to broccoli and cauliflower. And although it is referred to as a broccoli, it is more closely related to cauliflower. It has a similar texture to cauliflower and keeps its shape while cooking.

Romanesco broccoli is an heirloom vegetable variety. It has been traced back to the 16th century and was first documented in Italy, hence the name.

Like broccoli and cauliflower, it has a 2 fairly short windows of availability at the Market. The first season starts around early November and usually lasts up until Christmas. During January and February, because of the cold weather and short days, broccoli, cauliflower and Romanesco take a brief hiatus. In mid to late March, with the longer and warmer days, all return to the Market and tend to be available until May. After the weather heats up, these crops are done until the cooler weather returns. In fact, most vegetables that are in the same family (kale, collards, turnips, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts) don't like our hot, humid summers which is why you'll never see any of these vegetables during the summer time.

So, if you are looking to expand your culinary repertoire and want to try Romanesco broccoli, here are a couple of ideas for cooking it. You really can use it in the same way and in the same recipes that you use broccoli or cauliflower. It is good raw, steamed or stir-fried.

My favorite way to cook Romanesco broccoli is to roast it, which couldn't be more simple. To make roasted Romanesco, cut the head into florets, toss them in a couple tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread them out onto a roasting pan and put them into an oven which has been pre-heated to 400 degrees. Roast for 10-15 minutes, stirring once. When they come out of the oven, toss a little bit of lemon juice on them and enjoy!

Remember: The Market is in its Winter Hours (10am-Noon) and will be open rain, shine, sleet or snow! During the Winter, the Market starts with the ringing of the Opening Bell at 10am sharp. Some vendors have moved around, so if you are having a hard time finding a vendor, stop by the Market's info table and we'll help you out.

See you at the Market,
Erin Kauffman
Market Manager
Follow DFM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Fresh this Week....
FRUITS: KIWIS!
VEGETABLES: CLAYTONIA, Acorn Squash, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Broccoli Raab, Brussels Sprouts, Bok Choi, Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Cress, Collards, Daikon Radish, Dandelion Greens, Delicata Squash, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Fennel, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley), Frisee, Green Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mache, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Peppers, Potatoes, Pea Shoots, Pumpkins, Radicchio, Radishes, Salad Mix,  Spaghetti Squash, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Sweet Potatoes, Tat Soi, Greenhouse Grown Tomatoes, Turmeric, Turnips, Turnip Greens, Winter Squash, and more
MEATS AND EGGS:  LAMB & MUTTON, Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Pork, Veal, Rabbit, Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged COW and GOAT milk cheeses.
PLANTS: Bedding Plants, and House Plants.
FLOWERS: HOLIDAY GREENERY, A FEW Anemones, Dried Bouquets
SPECIALTY ITEMS: Raw Honey, Pasta, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Handmade Baskets, Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Goats Milk Soaps, Body Butters, Lotions, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Produce availability depends on weather conditions 

This Week at the South Durham Farmers' Market

This Week at the Market

• Music by 
• Riverside High School Choir
• Guest Chef 
• Derek Treuer cooking & sampling Collards with Raisins
• In Season: cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, cabbage, squash, carrots, lemongrass, radishes, bok choy, turnips, brussel sprouts, greens and more

Winter Hours Begin!
Enjoy an extra hour toasty warm in bed this Saturday because the market will not open until 9 o'clock. Our winter hours of 9am-noon will be in effect this Saturday, December 14th through Saturday, March 29th.

A Remarkable Vegetable
Even after all the leaves have fallen and we approach winter’s shortest day, somehow our farmers’ continue to coax their crops into yielding ever more beautiful vegetables from the hard ground.  One such specimen, and a new one for me, was the Romanesco from Parker Farm and Vineyard. They are alternatively known as Romanesque cauliflower or Romanesco broccoli, the bud’s name always referring back to its point of origin, Italy (though perhaps not specifically Rome).

I bought several to roast as a side to meatballs made with lamb from Sassafras Fork Farm. (The resulting meal is pictured below.) Often described as a nuttier tasting cauliflower, the Romanescos were sweet and crunchy and each cone looked like a Christmas tree in miniature, especially when dotted with pomegranate seeds.

A local farmer friend pointed out to me that the geometric pattern of Romanescos conforms to the Fibonacci sequence and the closely related Golden Spiral. The Fibonacci sequence starts with 0 and 1, and every subsequent number in the sequence is the sum of the previous two. For example:

0+1=1   1+1=2   1+2=3   2+3=5   3+5=8   5+8=13  8+13=21   13+21=34

Craft Beer Cookbook Coming to NC

Food? Check.  Beer? Check. Durham? Big check! Tonight, John Holl, noted beer journalist and editor of All About Beer (a Durham magazine) will be at Fullsteam Brewery (also in Durham) to sign copies of his new book about cooking with craft beer.

Holl will be signing his book, The American Craft Beer Cookbook,  from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at Fullsteam Brewery at 726 Rigsbee Ave.

Cooking with beer is not a new concept.  However, with this book, Holl brings his considerable craft beer experience to the subject and makes it accessible - especially in Durham. Two of Durham's three "big" craft breweries contributed recipes for the book, and Fullsteam is offering a free Pork and Porter handpie (with help from Scratch Bakery) to all who order a copy of the book tonight.

Durham is a beer and food destination on track to be considered with the best in the US. Named The Tastiest Town in the South by Southern Living magazine, the local beer scene was named a point of consideration. Two Durham breweries now have restaurants.  Bull City Burger and Brewery, which contributed to the book, and Triangle Brewery which just opened their restaurant Triangle Pint and Plate. Fullsteam is a destination for Durham's vibrant food truck scene.

For those interested in cooking with the beers mentioned in the book, Sam's Quik Shop in Durham has one of the largest craft beer selections in the US.

Learn more about great events in Durham with the Durham Event Calendar.

Duke's Cutliffe National Coach of the Year

Durham got another feather in its cap last week as Duke head football coach David Cutcliffe was named the 2013 National Coach of the Year by the Walter Camp Foundation. Cutcliffe's win further solidifies Durham as City of Champions, a title the city gets from the dominance of so many of the sports teams and squads that call the city home.

Credit: Duke Photography via GoDuke.com

The Walter Camp Coach of the Year is selected by the nation’s 125 Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors.

“Coach Cutcliffe is more of a mentor than a coach to me and the rest of my teammates,” redshirt junior quarterback and team captain Anthony Boone said.  “It’s been great, just learning how to be a better quarterback and a better man. What makes him special is that he actually cares; that he’s a genuine guy. Everything he says, you can take to heart.”

The ACC’s Coach of the Year in 2012 and 2013, Cutcliffe guided Duke to its first ranking in the BCS standings and jumped four spots to No. 20 following last week’s 27-25 road win over North Carolina.  Also ranked 20th in this week’s Associated Press national poll, the Blue Devils will face top-ranked Florida State in the 2013 ACC Championship Game on Saturday at 8 p.m. at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.  The game will be televised nationally by ABC.

Duke will face Texas A&M in the Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Kick off is at 8 PM on December 31st.

Learn more about visiting Durham online and be part Duke's football action here next season.

This Week at the Durham Farmers' Market

After a much-needed break over Thanksgiving weekend, the Durham Farmers' Market is back in full swing! Tomorrow, we switch over to our Winter Hours - 10am to Noon!

The Durham Farmers' Market hasn't always been open in the winter time, so here is a brief history of how our winter hours came to be...

In the winter of 2005, a handful of Durham Farmers' Market's meat and egg farmers, bakers and crafters had product available during the winter months, so they set up shop in Central Park School's cafeteria every other Saturday morning. Along with the the meat, eggs, baked goods, crafts, there were a handful of cheeses and winter veggies available. Every time Market was open, Durhamites, hungry for local food, quickly snapped up all of what the vendors had to offer.

In response to Durham's demand for local food in the winter months, more farmers began planting crops in greenhouses and sunny, warm, south-facing fields for a winter harvest. Farmers' started building more greenhouses on their farms specifically for wintertime production. Some farmers have even shifted their focus to growing vegetable crops in the colder months. In 2007, we outgrew Central Park School's cafeteria and moved our winter time operation into our newly built home - the Pavilion!

Over the last 7 years, the Market's wintertime presence has been grown explosively. In 2006, there were fewer than 10 vendors that came each week. This year, you can expect to find over 45 farmers, bakers, specialty food producers and crafters to come to the Market each week. In fact, 2 farms will only be coming to the Market from December to March. Heeks Farm in Bahama and Root Down Farm in Cedar Grove have honed their winter growing skills and will have a wide range of vegetables over the next few months. Along with Heeks and Root Down, you'll see some familiar faces from the Wednesday Market including Melina's Fresh Pasta, Big Spoon Roasters, Imagine That Gluten Free and occasionally Tempeh Girl will be there!

Like with everything at the Durham Farmers' Market, we wouldn't be what we are today, with out such great customers! Thank your constant support of the hard work your local farmers and artisans do to bring you food and so much more each week.

Now, a couple of things to remember:

1. During the Winter Months (Dec.-March), the Market is only open from 10am to Noon. Rain, Shine, Sleet or Snow! 
2. In the winter, the Market starting with the ringing of the Opening Bell! It will ring at 10am on the nose. You are welcome to browse, talk to farmers and ask them to set aside items for you.
3. During the Winter time, vendors shift to different spaces. If you are having a hard time finding your favorite vendors, please stop by the Market Info Table at the center of the Pavilion - we can direct you and give you a map to help you find them.

On Saturday, during Market, Durham Parks and Rec will be setting up their annual Holiday Fun Fest in the Park! The winter festivities will start at 1pm.

See you at the Market,
Erin Kauffman
Market Manager
Follow DFM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Fresh this Week....
FRUITS: A FEW KIWIS!, Asian Persimmons
VEGETABLES: Acorn Squash, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Broccoli Raab, Brussels Sprouts, Bok Choi, Butternut Squash, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Cress, Collards, Daikon Radish, Dandelion Greens, Delicata Squash, Fennel, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Sorrel, Parsley), Frisee, Galangal, Green Onions, Garlic, Ginger, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Mache, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Peppers, Potatoes, Pea Shoots, Pumpkins, Radicchio, Radishes, Salad Mix, Shiitake Mushrooms, Spaghetti Squash, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Sweet Potatoes, Tat Soi, Greenhouse Grown Tomatoes, Turmeric, Turnips, Turnip Greens, Winter Squash, and more
MEATS AND EGGS:  Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Veal, Rabbit
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged COW and GOAT milk cheeses.
PLANTS: Bedding Plants, and House Plants.
FLOWERS: HOLIDAY GREENERY, Asian Lilies, Dried Bouquets
SPECIALTY ITEMS: Raw Honey, Pasta, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Handmade Baskets, Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Goats Milk Soaps, Body Butters, Lotions, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Produce availability depends on weather conditions 

This Week at the South Durham Farmers' Market

This Week at Market

• Saturday 8am-Noon Greenwood Commons 5410 Hwy 55 Durham NC 27713
• Music by Lucky Puppy Band
• In Season: cabbage, squash, lemongrass, carrots, beets, radishes, potatoes, brussel sprouts, bok choy and more.

Twelve Gifts from Market
This year’s late Thanksgiving has left me scrambling to get ready for Christmas and a month of holiday festivities. I missed the Black Friday and Cyber Monday spending frenzies and, unfortunately, I even missed Small Business Saturday, but there’s one more shopping holiday left for me: the SDFM second annual Holiday Craft Market!

Tomorrow, our farmers and food artisans will be joined by talented, local craftspeople with handmade gifts for everyone on your Nice list. These lovely wares make especially good presents for those tough cases, like the person who has everything, as they will likely not have any of these fine locally-made crafts.  With that in mind, here is a list of market gift ideas. (You might need to fiddle with the suggested quantities.)

One market t-shirt
Two Christmas wreaths
Three goat totes
Four head bands
Five mini pies
Six pepper jellies
Seven woven baskets
Eight mugs for coffee
Nine kitty wool toys
Ten beeswax candles
Eleven Shorganics soap bars
Twelve jars for spices

Whether it rains or shines, the market will be rockin’ with live music from Scott Boggs and his band Lucky Puppy, who promise at least a couple of holiday tunes. Plus, we will have all the usual and wonderful market treats like Aida’s hot cider, Ninth Street’s pastries, Prodigal’s array of cheese samples and, of course, all the local vegetables and meats you need to keep the party going at home.

CAROLINA THEATRE INVITED TO HOST NEW FILM SCREENING SERIES

Durham's Carolina Theatre is posting some great news lately.  Not only did it announce this week that it is profitable for the first time since 2008, but today it announced a new screening series that makes it a must see for locals and visitors alike.

From their announcement:

The Carolina Theatre has been invited to host an exclusive new film screening series presenting the biggest independent films for one advanced screening in Durham before they’re in theatres nationwide. 

Each month, The New York Film Critics Series will premier one of the hottest new independent films days or even weeks before they are available anywhere else in the Triangle. Following each screening, we’ll broadcast a high definition interview with the directors and actors, live from New York City.

The series begins Tuesday, December 10 at 7PM with American Hustle, directed by David O'Russell and staring Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence. New films will be announced each month. "

Yes, this means that in Durham people can stay ahead of the curve on new releases.  Given the destination's reputation for being a documentary film mecca with The Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, and as a back drop for many major motion pictures in the past, this seems only a fitting addition to the roster of film-related attributes.

Stay on top of all the happenings here with the Durham Event Calendar.