THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 13, 1994 TAG: 9407120125
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 02 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ALLISON T. WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SURRY COUNTY LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
This weekend, more than 25,000 visitors are expected to converge on Chippokes Plantation State Park to pay homage to Surry County's heritage.
The 19th Annual Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday in the park at 695 Chippokes Park Road, off State Route 634 in Surry County.
``This started as a small country fair for the county's 1976 bicentennial celebration,'' said Mary Lou DeVincenzi, secretary at Chippokes. ``But it has grown into a large, award-winning festival.''
According to DeVincenzi, the Southeastern Tourism Association in 1988 named the Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival one of the region's top 20 festivals.
More than 250 artists and crafters from up and down the East Coast are expected to be on hand selling their wares. Exhibits include basket weaving, Christmas decorations, quilting, pewter, paintings, wood furniture and jewelry.
Vendors will be selling a variety of foods related to peanuts and pork. Items on the menu include barbecue, grilled pork chops, pig feet, ham sandwiches, peanut soup, peanut pies, peanut brittle and fudge.
There will also be musical entertainment, including country, gospel and bluegrass performances by local singers.
In recent years, the Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival has drawn between 25,000 and 30,000 visitors from all over the United States, said DeVincenzi.
``This festival has put Surry County on the map,'' she said. ``Chippokes used to be the best kept secret in the United States.
``But I think the Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival has helped get the secret out.'' MEMO: For more information, call 294-3625.
by CNB