A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to adopt the albemarle potato festival as the official Irish 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 over 24 years; and
Whereas, of the more than 17,000 acres statewide used for Irish potato cultivation, the northeast region of the Albemarle contains 12,000 of those acres; and
Whereas, the economic impact of Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish potato festival of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.