April 29, 2009
www.vdacs.virginia.gov
Contact: Marion Horsley, (804)225-3820
VIRGINIA FOOD FESTIVALS OFFER FLAVORS TO PLEASE EVERY PALATE
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. The list is available online at
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/festival.shtml. 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 VDACS Commissioner Todd P. Haymore. “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.
