Release Date:  Wednesday, July 30, 2008  11:30 a.m.

To celebrate Virginia Farmers Market Week, the Virginia Beach Farmers Market will have a Watermelon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be watermelon rolling contests, seed spitting contests, pony rides and of course, a large selection of locally grown produce, Virginia-grown and Virginia-made products.

During the week of Aug. 3 – 9, farm communities in the Commonwealth will hold a variety of special events to celebrate Virginia’s rich agricultural heritage. From a statewide “Eat Local for a Day” challenge to a local watermelon festival, there will be unique opportunities to “go green” while having fun and enjoying the benefits of delicious, Virginia-grown produce and products.

In support of Gov. Kaine’s declaration of Virginia Farmers Market Week, the Virginia State Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is holding an “Eat Local for a Day” challenge and is offering a prize package of Virginia products for the winner.

Visit http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown-july/contest.shtml for contest rules and details.

Buying produce from local farmers is a perfect way to “go green” and save time, energy and expense. Because these sellers are located nearby, freshness, flavor and nutrition are optimal as their produce is only harvested at peak. Also, with reduced transportation time, farm products reach consumers more quickly to preserve quality. Buying locally keeps revenue here to support Virginia agriculture and the state’s overall economic vitality. According to the VDACS, there are many health advantages of eating Virginia-grown fruits and vegetables: