GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2009

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 588

Short Title:        Adopt Official NC Potato Festival.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representative Owens.
Referred to:	Agriculture, if favorable, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.

March 16, 2009

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to adopt the albemarle potato festival as the official potato festival of the state of north carolina.

Whereas, North Carolina's northeast region has been home of the Albemarle Potato Festival, now known as the North Carolina Potato Festival, for 24 years; and

Whereas, of the 16,000 acres statewide used for potato cultivation, the northeast region of the Albemarle contains 12,000 of those acres; and

Whereas, the economic impact of potato farming is at least 13 to 16 million dollars annually in the northeast region; and

Whereas, the festival showcases the Albemarle area's major potato producing counties, with Pasquotank County being the largest producer in the State; and

Whereas, the festival entertainment, street fair, water activities, and evening dance draw attention throughout the northeast region; and

Whereas, the tourism industry flourishes during the North Carolina Potato Festival, benefiting the economy of not only the northeast region but also the entire State; Now, therefore,

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 145‑30.  State potato festival.

The Albemarle Potato Festival is adopted as the official potato festival of the State of North Carolina."

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.