RALEIGH -- Victor Chavez is no stranger to heat.
As a consultant for Vesta Fiery Gourmet Toppings, Chavez has sold chili pepper seasonings since February. But the weather doesn't usually match his spicy product as it did Wednesday at "Grazefest," the outdoor celebration of grass-fed and pasture-raised farm food at downtown's City Plaza.
"The heat's coming in and it can't escape - it is like an oven," Chavez said. Amid temperatures in the 90s, 24 local meat and produce vendors sold their wares on Fayetteville Street at the first-ever Grazefest, produced by the Downtown Raleigh Alliance.
Visitors bought products and learned about local agriculture. As the bluegrass band Old Habits played, there were demonstrations of mozzarella-stretching, chef tutorials and an ice cream-eating contest.
"I'm pleased to see thismany brave souls down here," said Portia McKnight, co-owner of the Chapel Hill Creamery, which had a tent at Grazefest. She talked about "how we manage our herds and make our cheese."
McKnight said she's glad Grazefest educates people about where their food comes from and how locally grown food moves toward dinner tables. Tonya Peele, a health and wellness consultant, said Grazefest helps hungry passers-by examine their eating habits and learn something about their local produce.
Hallie Mittleman of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance estimated 3,000 patrons would attend.
"The sun is shining and the sky is blue," Mittleman said. "What better place to be than a farmers market?"
