2009 PRESS RELEASES
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April 16, 2009
VIRGINIA FOOD FESTIVALS OFFER FLAVORS TO PLEASE EVERY PALATE
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820
Take a tasting tour of Virginia. That invitation comes from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), which has compiled a menu of numerous tantalizing food festivals scheduled across the Commonwealth during 2009. Click here for the list. According to VDACS, with so many Virginia foods represented, there is a special event to celebrate ’most everyone’s favorites.
“Virginia provides ideal growing conditions for a variety of delicious foods and of course Virginians love to eat. That combination means there are plenty of opportunities to taste the bounty of the Commonwealth throughout the year,” said Todd P. Haymore, VDACS Commissioner. “Just pack up your appetite, grab a state map and you’re ready for an unforgettable eating adventure.”
April may be known for its showers but it also features an herb festival in Richmond, a beef expo in Harrisonburg and a salute to apple blossoms in Winchester. Strawberry lovers can look forward to fairs and festivals during May and June in Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Sky Meadows State Park, Ashland and Bluemont. Hungry for the delectable taste of pork? Try Emporia in June, Surry in July or Richmond in October for festivals devoted to the other white meat.
August is the month for fruit fanciers with blackberry events in Nelson County and Bluemont; peach festivals in Crozet, Winchester, Bluemont and Patrick County; and watermelon festivals in Virginia Beach and Richmond. Celebrate pumpkins in October in Churchville, Hampton and Winchester. Enjoy oysters in Newport News and Chincoteague in October, and Urbanna and Reedville in November.
And there’s more. The festival list also highlights chili, chocolate, wine, ramps (wild leeks), asparagus, dairy, ice cream, peanuts, cantaloupes, seafood, sweet corn, kielbasa, apples and garlic.
The food festivities are listed online by month. Each listing includes the date, location, contact information and a link to the event Web site, if available. VDACS advises festival-goers to call ahead for hours, directions, admission charges and other costs.
If your organization has planned a Virginia food-oriented event that is not included, please send the details to olivia.wilson@vdacs.virginia.gov. There is no charge to list events.