MEDIA ADVISORY: Join Watermelon Queens on Aug. 1 at the World’s Largest Crab Feast in Annapolis

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 29, 2014) – The Maryland Department of Agriculture together with the Mar-Del Watermelon Association will participate in the world’s largest crab feast on Friday, Aug. 1, at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis to highlight the economic and nutritional value of watermelon and the increasing demand for locally-grown produce.

This special event, hosted by the Rotary Club of Annapolis, is not only the world’s largest crab feast but also a major fund-raiser that benefits local community and cultural organizations. As many as 2,500 people are expected to attend and finish off 350 bushels of crabs, 3,400 ears of corn, 100 watermelons, 100 gallons of crab soup, 1,800 hot dogs, 150 pounds of beef barbeque, and hundreds of gallons of soft drinks and beer.   

WHO:            

• Mary Ellen Setting, Maryland Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
• National Queen Brandi Harrison
• Mar-Del Watermelon Queen Shelby Hurley
• Florida Watermelon Queen Megan Morgan
• Georgia Watermelon Queen Jennifer Eadie
• South Carolina Watermelon Queen Brook Allender
• National, Maryland and Delaware watermelon farmers

WHAT:          

August is the prime season for Delmarva watermelons, a healthy summertime treat.  Maryland and Delaware are significant growers and suppliers of watermelons, a tradition that goes back well over a century. The National and Mar-Del Watermelon Queens, joined by Maryland and Delaware watermelon farmers, will slice and distribute FREE watermelon slices, and distribute giveaways including recipe cards. The MAR-DELicious Watermelon Promotion includes participation from a number of retailers in the region including Acme, Costco, Food Lion, Giant, Harris Teeter, Mars, Safeway, Sam’s Club, SUPERVALU, Ukrop’s, Wal-Mart, Wegmans, Weis and Whole Foods.

WHEN:          

Friday, August 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.          The event will be held rain or shine. 

WHERE:       

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. For free parking media should enter the stadium parking lot through Gate 2 on Farragut Road or Gate 6 on Taylor Avenue. Media should enter through Gate Y.

NOTE:           

Media planning to attend must RSVP by Thursday, July 31 to Julie Oberg, 443-758-4466 or julie.oberg@maryland.gov.             

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