MEDIA ADVISORY: Join Watermelon Queens on Aug. 7 at the World’s Largest Crab Feast in Annapolis; Cool Off with Refreshing, Locally Grown Maryland Watermelon

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland Department of Agriculture together with the Mar-Del Watermelon Association will participate in the world’s largest crab feast on Friday, Aug. 7, 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. Nearly 2,500 people are expected to attend and finish off 320 bushels of crabs, 100 watermelons, 3,400 ears of corn, 100 gallons of crab soup, 1,800 hot dogs, 150 pounds of beef barbeque, and hundreds of gallons of soft drinks and beer.

WHO:

Joe Bartenfelder, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture

National Queen Emily Brown

Mar-Del Watermelon Queen Courtney Hastings

Florida Watermelon Queen Kelli Wilder

Georgia Watermelon Queen Carla Penney

North Carolina Watermelon Queen Carmen Honeycutt

Mar-Del 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 7 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 P. Click here for event map.

NOTE:

Media planning to attend must RSVP by Thursday, August 6 to Julie Oberg, 410-841-5888 or julie.oberg@maryland.gov.

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