EMPORIA
One of the largest food fairs on the East Coast, the Virginia Pork Festival will return for its 42nd year this summer. Festival director Karen Hall announced Monday morning that event will be on Wednesday, June 10, from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the Ruritan Club Grounds, 370 Ruritan Drive, in Emporia.

Past crowds have exceeded 15,000 people, and the event has grown steadily every year. At this year’s event, Hall expects more than 40,000 pounds of pork to be served in at least 30 different styles.

Entertainment on five different stages includes live music from the likes of The Embers with Craig Woolard, Albert Castiglia, Steve Owens and the Summertime Band, The Switch and Exit 173. There will also be several vendors, including the Discovery Channel’s Tim Smith and his Climax Moonshine.

Established in 1974, the Virginia Pork Festival’s primary goal was to promote the pork industry.

“Now, it’s about promoting the community and the surrounding area,” Hall said. “It brings the community together to produce a product so that the general public can enjoy food, fun and fellowship.”

Hall said that it offers several local clubs and civic organizations an opportunity to raise funds for their respective groups.

Tickets to the Virginia Pork Festival are $30 if purchased before May 1; $35 if purchased later. Included in the ticket will be a sampling of the more than 30 pork dishes, side items and soft drinks, liquor or beer. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.vaporkfestival.com.