By Matt de Simone
Last weekend saw the return of the Fincastle Festival to the streets of the town. Finally, the Town of Fincastle had one of its first moments since last year’s pandemic to bring some of the community’s artisans, leaders, and friends together for a day of celebration. The event featured an unveiling of a new a memorial plaque commemorating Botetourt County’s 250th anniversary.
“I was thrilled to see how many visitors and vendors we had in attendance, and I’m grateful for the hard work and planning that Historic Fincastle Inc. and Town Manager David Tickner put in to make it a success,” Fincastle Mayor Mary Bess Smith said.
The event welcomed 45 vendors lining the streets in Fincastle. Some of the vendors included Blue Ridge Barn Quilts, Avenue Black clothing, Century 21, The Bank of Fincastle, Historic Greenfield Preservation, the United Way, Shattered Glassworks, and artisans who designed crafts including fall floral bouquets and wreaths.
“It was wonderful seeing old friends, and meeting some new ones,” Town Manager David ticker said. “It is always an honor to share our wonderful historic town with visitors and friends alike.” He thanked Marcia Neighbors and Lynne Bolton of Historic Fincastle, Inc. on their efforts putting on a successful festival.
Local author Rachel Nicole Edwards sold copies of her recently published novel Giollachrist: Lighting the Candle.
Musical performances were provided by New River Bound, Erynn McLeod, the Route 11 Quartet, Pico Road, Eric Burton, and Ted & Caleb McAllister.
“Several vendors were marveling that they had buyers from North Carolina and South Carolina and West Virginia, and Ohio,” Historic Fincastle Inc.’s Lynne Bolton mentioned. “I also had two vendors tell me they sold more today than they ever have at one event. Both the big food truck and the cafe sold out of things too. We had a bigger crowd than I had expected.”
