It's apple time, people

We interrupt this lovely late summer/early fall afternoon to bring you this reminder:

Apple season has begun.

If you just relocated here from another area of the country, you may be surprised by this. But apple season in the Carolinas usually starts in August. If you wait until October, when the rest of the world feels all appley, you will look around to discover that you missed it here.

As proof, this week's newsletter from the Matthews Community Farmers Market, 208 N. Trade St. in Matthews, noted that Saturday (AKA Sept. 7) is the start of the annual Apple Fundraiser, featuring just-picked Ginger Golds, Galas, Golden Supremes and the hugely popular Honey Crisps from Davis and Son Orchard in Lincoln County. Half-peck bags are $8 and peck bags are $13; Honey Crisps are only available in half-peck bags for $10. Proceeds benefit market operations.

And here's a small note worth passing on: The Davis and Son apples get to the market via NatalieTram. Grateful Growers farmer and market vendor Natalie Veres picks them up in Pumpkin Center (yes, that's a town, and I have been there) and delivers them to the market herself. Which makes her a good apple.

Another note: The Matthews market switches to fall hours tomorrow, going back to opening at 8 a.m. on Saturdays. Details: www.matthewsfarmersmarket.com