Delegate endorses Smith, Horton for mayor
As we approach Election Day on November 8, and with early voting already taking place, I encourage residents of the towns of Fincastle and Troutville to vote for their current mayors, Mary Bess Smith and David Horton.
Mayor Smith and Mayor Horton are both steadfast advocates for the towns they represent and understand the benefit of community involvement. They are fiscally responsible Republicans who dedicate themselves to improving the quality of life for their respective towns.
Mayor Horton’s leadership and his collaboration with Town Council are the reason for the success of Troutville Town Park. A central gathering place for town and county residents and their children, the park serves as a prime example of how local government should serve its citizens.
Mayor Smith’s vision has greatly benefited Fincastle’s resurgence of new retail businesses, restaurants, and pedestrian access throughout the town. Her industriousness is evident in the numerous grants awarded to Fincastle.
The towns of Fincastle and Troutville will continue to benefit under their current leadership, and for these reasons I ask you to support Mayor Mary Bess Smith and Mayor David Horton when you vote.
Delegate Terry L. Austin
19th House District
Thanks to all for a successful 250th celebration festival!
On behalf of Historical Fincastle Inc. and our presenting sponsor, First Bank, we wish to thank the many individuals, businesses, and organizations from throughout the area who contributed to making this Historic Fincastle Festival, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of the town’s founding, a resounding success. Without their attendance, participation, and support, none of it would have been possible.
First and foremost, we thank the many visitors who flocked to Fincastle for the festival. This year’s attendance broke all past records since the event was converted to a one-day affair. A special thanks is also extended to the townspeople who helped clear the streets of vehicles and who embraced the festival and the visitors coming into our historic town for that one day. This especially applies to the folks on Murray, Main, Roanoke, and Church Streets.
A festival is only as good as its artists, crafters, food, and special offerings, and we are truly blessed to have enjoyed the talents and great foods offered by our many vendors. Our fine artists offered a variety of two- and three-dimensional creations, and the crafters spanned a great many fields and offered true works of art all their own. With food choices from BK Festival Eats’ steak and sausage subs and funnel cakes, the Tailgate’s BBQ, nachos, and treats, the Ferguson Family Provisions’ Food Truck with their amazing seafood, as well as additional food choices from Copper Mountain Kettle Corn, Delicia’s Gourmet Ices, and the variety offered by the Fincastle Café and Pie Shoppe, no one should have gone hungry!
Special venues also offered treats for one and all. This year, the Revolutionary War Interpreters camped out at the James Matten Early cabin on Murray Street and they entertained and educated visitors with their period reproduced clothing, artifacts, and reproduced items and toys from the 18th century. The Little Critters Traveling Petting Zoo and Pony Rides offered the young and young at heart a wonderful time on Murray Street, and Blacksmith Dewey Baker demonstrated the art of smithing to old and young alike at the Wysong Blacksmith Shop. Another attraction for young and old alike was the “Touch a Truck” exhibit along Roanoke and Academy Streets. A big hit, particularly for the men in the crowds, was the two automobile displays: the presentation of Corvette models from 1953 to present day was spectacular, and the display of antique cars and trucks along the Murray Street hill enticed many folks to stop and talk with the proud owners. Finally, the ongoing partnership between HFI and the Botetourt County Historical Society enhanced the day with the History Museum remaining open to visitors throughout the day, and showcasing the wonderful new location on Main Street.
A special addition to the day in recognition of the 250th anniversary was the series of speakers at the courthouse. Clerk of the Court Tommy Moore once again portrayed the original court clerk from 1772 and shared information about early Fincastle in his talk. Peggy Crosson spoke on the links between Lewis & Clark and the Town of Fincastle, former Judge Bo Trumbo spoke about General James Breckinridge and his law practice, and Administrator Jon Lanford shared information about the plans for the courthouse and Court House Square as the day progressed. History from 1772 to the present day for one and all!
Music rocked both the Court House Square and the corner of Church and Murray throughout the day with musicians, both professionals and students. Specific thanks go to Ted McAllister for organizing the adult musicians, to Mike Lee and his talented students, to Lee Hartman & Sons for providing the sound system, and Jacob Holdren for running the sound. Finally, thanks to Chip Lawrence for the flatbed which allowed us to properly present the wonderful music and musicians at the Court House Square.
Many hands went into bringing about this festival, but special thanks are needed for Town Manager David Tickner’s constant hard work before, during, and after the event and to Mayor Mary Bess Smith for her support on behalf of the Town of Fincastle. Other tireless workers included Chad Simmons and Mack Neighbors, our shuttle bus drivers, (and thanks to Mill Creek Baptist Church for the use of their shuttle), and Jay and Yvonne Saunders for the use of the old Baptist Church sanctuary for the Quilt Show. We also want to extend a big Thank You! to Henry Booze and the entire Fincastle Volunteer Fire Dept. for their critical help from planning to setup to take down and trash collection after everyone else had gone home! Another thank you goes out to Shawn Ulrich and APX Traffic for their signage on Rt. 220, which helped guide folks to the festival. The Historic Fincastle Inc. Board of Directors has been “hard at it” since the start of this year, and thanks can never properly express how critical their work and support were from start to finish. The publicity, and coverage of the festival, both before and after the event, by The Fincastle Herald and associated papers were a significant help in our success.
Finally, a huge thank you must also go to our generous sponsors, First Bank, Bank of Botetourt, James River Equipment, Salem, Craig-Botetourt Co-op, and the Woodsdale Group. We also received sponsorship donations from the following in support of our music expenses for the festival: Lucas Construction, Neighbors Electric Co., CED Roanoke, Austin Electric, L&M Properties LLC, and McVey Property Management LLC. Our thanks also goes out to Digital Image Printing.
Please accept our apologies for any oversights and omissions as many hands pulled together for this event. Next year, we hope to “do it all again,” so mark your calendars for Saturday, September 23 (the fourth Saturday of the month) next year for another fun event!
Lynne Bolton
Historic Fincastle Inc.
