GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 318

Short Title:  Adopt Watermelon Festival.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representatives James; H. Hunter, Rogers, and R. Thompson..
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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
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February 25, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO ADOPT THE HERTFORD COUNTY WATERMELON FESTIVAL AS THE NORTH CAROLINA WATERMELON FESTIVAL AND TO DECLARE THAT THE FESTIVAL BE HELD ANNUALLY.
Whereas, watermelon farming has been a successful vocation of some Hertford County farmers for generations; and
Whereas, the watermelon industry has been and continues to be an important part of the State's economy; and
Whereas, the late George T. Underwood of Hertford County was one of the first farmers to grow watermelons in northeastern North Carolina and was responsible for promoting much of the interest in growing watermelons in Hertford County; and
Whereas, there are as many as 700 to 1,000 acres of watermelons grown in northeastern North Carolina each year; and
Whereas, since 1986, an annual watermelon festival has been held in Hertford County; and
Whereas, this festival began as a one-half day event and has grown into a four-day celebration; and
Whereas, in 1992, the Hertford County Watermelon Festival attracted 12,000 visitors; and
Whereas, the festival provides participants of all ages with a wide variety of entertainment including parades, amusement rides, historic tours, dances, and contests; and
Whereas, the festival allows local crafters and vendors the chance to promote their goods to a large number of people; and
Whereas, adopting the Hertford County Watermelon Festival as the North Carolina Watermelon Festival will help to promote agriculture, tourism and economic growth, and the exchange of cultural ideas;  Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statues is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145-16.  State Watermelon Festival.
(a)	The Hertford County Watermelon Festival is adopted as the official North Carolina Watermelon Festival. The festival may be held in Hertford County.  The festival shall be observed annually during the last four days of the first week in August.
(b)	Nothing in this section shall be construed to obligate the General Assembly to appropriate funds to implement the provisions of this section.
(c)	Nothing in this section shall be construed to obligate Hertford County to expend funds for the purposes of this section."
Sec. 2.  This act is effective upon ratification.