PRINCE GEORGE—Richard Bland College of William and Mary in Prince George County will hold its inaugural Pecan Festival in the Grove from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.

Home to the state’s oldest and largest pecan grove, the college grounds feature about 1,000 pecan trees, the first of which were planted in 1906, when the site was a working farm. Since the college bought the land in 1960, it has maintained and expanded the grove.

“The pecan groves have long been a regional attraction, and we look forward to a great day on campus where the community can celebrate the pecan with family and friends,” said Dr. Debbie Sydow, president of Richard Bland College.

Festival admission is free, and the event will feature entertainment, food, children’s activities, a Little Miss Pecan pageant and a pecan pie bake-off.

The community will be allowed to collect pecans from the grove when the official harvest begins after the first hard frost, said Jamie Camp, associate director of auxiliary enterprises at Richard Bland. “This year, there will be a minimum charge for collecting the pecans, and proceeds will benefit the enrichment of our students.” 

Media: Contact Camp at 804-862-6100, ext. 8528.