AN ACT adopting the Herring festival held in the town of jamesville as the official herring festival of the state of north carolina.

Whereas, since 1949 the Town of Jamesville in Martin County has held an annual Herring Festival each spring; and
Whereas, the Herring Festival is a vital fundraiser for the Town of Jamesville, Jamesville Fire Department, Jamesville Rescue Department, Jamesville Ruritan Club, and many local businesses and residents; and
Whereas, the Herring Festival serves as a celebration of the heritage that was once an important way of life in the area; and
Whereas, the Herring Festival offers visitors many family‑oriented activities, such as a parade, arts and crafts, rides, games, live music, and local foods and traditions; and
Whereas, each year, citizens in the area demonstrate their community pride by volunteering to make the festival a success; 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:
"§ 145‑34.  State herring festival.
The Herring Festival held in the Town of Jamesville is adopted as the official herring festival of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 21st day of April, 2011.

	s/	 Walter H. Dalton
	 President of the Senate

	s/	 Thom Tillis
	 Speaker of the House of Representatives

	s/	 Beverly E. Perdue
	 Governor

Approved 10:02 a.m. this 28th day of April, 2011