Gov. Perdue Declares Sept. 12 'North Carolina Hot Sauce Day'
Posted: 07-24-2009 : RALEIGH, N.C.

RALEIGH, NC - Rep. James W. Crawford Jr. has worked with the North Carolina House of Representatives and Gov. Beverly Perdue to have Sept. 12 declared the state's first North Carolina Hot Sauce Day. Page Skelton, president of CACKALACKY, INC. of Chapel Hill was instrumental in obtaining the proclamation and expressed his excitement at the governor's recognition of our state's zesty foods heritage as well as an industry that continues to contribute to our state's economy.

The proclamation issued and signed by Gov. Perdue recognizes North Carolina as America's birthplace of vinegar and pepper hot sauces and is now home to Bailey's Farms, the largest chile pepper farm on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Spearheaded by Julia Overton, owner of Stovall's Gifts and a board member of NC Specialty Foods Association, the Town of Oxford hosts an annual Hot Sauce Contest on the second Saturday of September that attracts people from across the state. The contest will be on Sept. 12 this year.

"North Carolina recognizes the countless farmers, producers, entrepreneurs and factory workers that comprise our condiment industry," the proclamation says. In September, the full text of the proclamation can be viewed at www.governor.state.nc.us then click on "News Room."

"This is an important and growing industry not just in Granville County, but statewide," Rep. Crawford said. "It gives our farmers some alternative crops and allows small businesses to develop. I'm glad I was able to work with the governor and the people of Granville County to bring some deserved attention."

Rep. Crawford is a developer in his 13th term in the House of Representatives. He is a chairman of the Appropriations Committee and vice chairman of the Transportation Committee. He is also a member of the Judiciary II, Mental Health Reform and Rules, Calendar and Operations of the House committees.

To learn more about the NC Hot Sauce Day celebration and the NC Hot Sauce Contest, log onto http://www.nchotsaucecontest.com/