A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO ADOPT THE LEXINGTON BARBECUE FESTIVAL AS THE OFFICIAL food FESTIVAL OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the first barbecue restaurant opened in the Town of Lexington in 1919; and
Whereas, Lexington has become well known for its barbecue and has been referred to as the Barbecue Capital of the World; and
Whereas, since 1984, Lexington has held an annual Barbecue Festival; and
Whereas, the Lexington Barbecue Festival has become one of the most popular food festivals in the country; and
Whereas, at the Lexington Barbecue Festival more than 150,000 visitors enjoy delicious food as well as a number of rides, games, and regional music; and
Whereas, during the Lexington Barbecue Festival, civic and nonprofit organizations sponsor events and sell goods to raise funds and present educational information to the public, and a number of local artists showcase and sell their crafts; and
Whereas, the Lexington Barbecue Festival was named "One of the Top Ten Food Festivals in the Country" by Travel and Leisure Magazine and a "Top 20 Event for the Month of October 2002" by the Southeast Tourism Society; and
Whereas, the State of North Carolina does not have an official food festival; 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:
"§ 145‑27.  State food festival.
The Lexington Barbecue Festival is adopted as the official food festival of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.