FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Elizabeth Evans, Cahoon & Cross
Phone: (757) 705-7153
Celebrating All Things Potato at the N.C. Potato Festival,
May 20-22 in Elizabeth City, N.C.
(Elizabeth City, N.C., April 19, 2016) – What’s more delicious than a festival that celebrates all things potato? With a bevy of ‘tater-themed contests, a rollicking midway, live music and plenty of spuds, the North Carolina Potato Festival, May 20-22 indowntown Elizabeth City,promises to please both your taste buds and your desire to have a good time.
“It wouldn’t be spring in Elizabeth City without the North Carolina Potato Festival,” said said Wade Nichols, executive director of Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc., a downtown revitaliztion non-profit and the festival presenter. “We’re rolling out the welcome mat for visitors, vendors and neighbors to join us for three family-friendly days of rides, music, games and fun!”
What began as a simple tribute to the farmers that tend the state’s major potato-growing areas along the Albemarle Sound has grown to attract more than 30,000 celebrants annually for a weekendfull of festivities. This year, festival organizers have embraced an outdoor theme, illustrated with a cartoon potato mascot paddling a canoe, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of North Carolina’s state parks.
“In choosing a theme, we look for something that is meaningful for our community,” said Cindy Williams, a long-time festival volunteer. “In the past we’ve honored the openings of our Aviation Research and Development Commerce Park, Arts of the Albemarle and South Park Sports Complex. With Elizabeth City’s river-front location and access to the Intracoastal Waterway, celebrating our region’s four beautiful state parks made sense.”
In addition to the usual fare – rides, games, food and fun – the festival will feature exhibits from Merchants Mill Pond, Dismal Swamp, Jockey’s Ridge and Pettigrew State parks.
Runaway June to Headline Festival’s Musical Lineup
Greatentertainment is a hallmark of the festival, and the up-and-coming, all-female country music trioRunaway Junewill kick off the festival’s opening night concert, May 20. The band, whose style and sass have been compared to The Dixie Chicks, landed a label deal with Wheelhouse Records and are presently on a national radio tour.
Other musicians to perform over the three-day event will include Elizabeth City singer/songwriter Bobby Plough (Americana); Delta Son (southern folk); The Original Moonlighters (variety band); UPHILL Band (swampland blues), featuring Elizabeth City pianist Chris Palestrant; Dark Water Rising (rocky soul); Zach Burick (country); Mountain Faith (bluegrass and gospel); singer/songwriter Kylie Odetta (jazz/soul); and Home Bru, featuring Elizabeth City singers Matt and Chelsea Brunoehler (Chelsea is stationed with the U.S. Coast Guard).
And don’t forget the ‘taters. In addition to nibbling on home-cooked fries, festival-goers can watch the National Potato Peeling Contest participants peel through bushels of spuds, cheer on the "Mister and Miss Tater Tot” contestants and take part in a mashed potato-eating contest. Approximately 175 shopping, crafts and dining vendors will line the Main Street thoroughfare. Visitors can also view antique and new tractors in the festival’s featured tractor display.
Mark your calendars and bring your appetite! It will soon be all things potato – all weekend long in Elizabeth City. Thefestival is open May 20, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; May 21, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and May 22, 11 to 6 p.m. The Elizabeth City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hall Automotive Elizabeth City, the U.S. Coast Guard, The All New Toyota of Elizabeth Cityand Paradise Treasures are the premier festival sponsors. For more information and a complete lineup of live entertainment check the festival’s Facebookpage or visit
Elizabeth City is the “Harbor of Hospitality®”
Elizabeth City is located in northeastern North Carolina on the Intracoastal Waterway, halfway between Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks. Known as the “Harbor of Hospitality,” the city has six National Register Historic Districts and is home to the Museum of the Albemarle, The Center at Arts of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City State University Planetarium, Port Discover Hands-on Science Center and one of the largest U.S. Coast Guard air stations in the Continental United States. Nature-based travelers are drawn to the area’s proximity to the Dismal Swamp and the abundance of outdoor recreational offerings. For additional information, call Elizabeth City Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-866-ECity-4U (1-866-324-8948) or visit DiscoverElizabethCity.com.
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