Virginia Memory, Library of Virginia
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THIS DAY IN VIRGINIA HISTORY

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October 03, 1964

16th Annual National Tobacco Festival: October 3–10, 1964, Richmond, Virginia (Richmond: National Tobacco Festival, 1964), F233.36 .N38 1964, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia. 16th Annual National Tobacco Festival: October 3–10, 1964, Richmond, Virginia (Richmond: National Tobacco Festival, 1964), F233.36 .N38 1964, Library of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia.

16th Annual National Tobacco Festival Began in Richmond

This weeklong festival began with a "Grand Ball" at the Richmond Arena. The week's celebrations included a fashion show, tours of tobacco companies, luncheons, and a parade. The festival culminated with the Tobacco Bowl, a football game between the University of Virginia and Virginia Military Institute, during which the 1965 Queen of Tobaccoland was crowned. Held in South Boston from 1935 to 1941, the festival moved to Richmond in 1948 and was held annually until 1984. Tobacco was Virginia's first successful cash crop and has remained an important part of the economy ever since, although soybeans currently generate more state revenue.