A Legacy With Layers: The Vidalia Onion Museum Is Officially Open

Vidalia, GA.- Tourists from around the globe can now learn about one of the most famous globes around: Georgias Vidalia onion. The Vidalia Onion Committee recently celebrated the grand opening of the Vidalia Onion Museum on Friday, April 29. Over 200 people attended the historical event that included a speech by Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black, ribbon-cutting ceremony and lunch from an all-star team of chefs including:

James Beard Award-winning chef Jeffrey Buben of Vidalia restaurant in Washington, D.C.

Top Chef Fan Favorite Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill in Atlanta, Ga.

Award-winning chef Gerry Klaskala of Aria restaurant in Atlanta, Ga.

Top Chef contestant Tracey Bloom of Rays at Killer Creek in Atlanta, Ga.

Southern My Way cookbook author Gena Knox

We are truly honored that so many special guests came to celebrate the museums grand opening with us, says Vidalia Onion Committee Executive Director and Museum Chairperson Wendy Brannen. Already, we have had numerous, sizeable tour groups call to arrange visits to the new facility and learn more about these unique onions, she adds.

The museum is owned by the City of Vidalia and housed in the same building as the Vidalia Onion Committee, Vidalia Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Vidalia Onion Business Council and gives guests a truly unforgettable interactive experience. The 1,300-square-foot space is filled with an array of educational exhibits that highlight the sweet onions economic, cultural and culinary significance.

The Vidalia Onion Museum is located at 100 Vidalia Sweet Onion Drive and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with Saturday hours available for tours. For more Vidalia onion information, visit www.vidaliaonion.org or call 912-538-8687 to arrange museum tours.

The Vidalia Onion Committee was established in 1989 as Federal Marketing Order No. 955. The order authorizes production research, marketing research and development, and marketing promotion programs. The VOC administers the order locally and consists of eight producer members and their alternates and one public member and an alternate. More information about the Vidalia Onion industry may be obtained at VidaliaOnion.org.

Source: The Vidalia Onion Committee