HICKORY, N.C. — Food lovers will have a chance to support local restaurants and area farmers during the Hickory Farmers Market’s Restaurant Week fundraiser.

The event runs July 17 through July 24 and features eight local restaurants and food vendors creating special menu items inspired by fresh, locally grown ingredients. Fifteen percent of the price of each Restaurant Week menu item will be donated to support the Hickory Farmers Market.

Participating businesses include Cranford Brothers BBQ, North Hickory Market, Smolder N’ Smoke Food Truck, Standard Oyster Company, Fourk, Olde Hickory Station, No Entry Lounge and Plant Based Boss.

Organizers say the fundraiser is designed to highlight locally sourced food while encouraging residents to support both independent restaurants and area farms. The Hickory Farmers Market has operated in downtown Hickory since 2004 and is held Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the main season.