Activities like the Fincastle Festival, on tap for September 18 in Fincastle, are fun, and educational, but they are even more. They are an important part of the community, involving residents and visitors alike. They help HFI maintain the historic buildings in the town, and they provide funds for the educational programing which occurs throughout the year as well.
The first Fincastle Festival took place in 1968 and has continued almost annually, involving people from throughout the community, neighboring towns, and visitors alike. The leadership down through the years are really the ones who helped keep the Festival alive while spreading the word about this quaint small town just north of Roanoke.
Helen Caldwell was HFI’s first president, and she helped present the first Fincastle Festival. Many others gave their time and their sweat to keep this event going. Do you recognize the names of just a few of these dedicated early workers? Dot Blanton, Rowena Camden, Reedy Waid, Dottie and Harry Kessler, Pat Simmons, Don Skibinski, Angela Coon, Mary Westerman…. It is thanks to these hard-working folks and many, many more that we are again able to offer this special event.
At this year’s Fincastle Festival, you can “Touch-a-Truck,” view magnificent quilts from around the area, chow down on amazing food including traditional treats such as funnel cakes, pork rinds, and ice cream, and browse and buy quality art and crafts from many of our celebrated local artists.
There will be much more about our vendors and the planned activities in coming articles. So, stay tuned, and mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept. 18 for a fun time in Fincastle!
