By Matt de Simone
The streets of historic Fincastle came alive Saturday as the annual Fincastle Festival brought residents and visitors together for a day celebrating the community’s history, arts and traditions.
Hosted by Historic Fincastle Inc., the festival featured music, food, crafts, historical exhibits, children’s activities and demonstrations throughout the center of town. The event was also part of the community’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
“Thank you to all of the participants who made the Fincastle Fall Festival this past Saturday one to remember – the crafters and artists, the food trucks, the petting zoo, the musicians, the blacksmiths, the Fincastle Company, the old cars, the touch-a-truck and our local businesses,” HFI President Patsy Dickerson said. “The entire HFI Board of Directors helped to plan and volunteer to produce a great event for the community. A special thank you to Lynne Bolton for being the long-time leader of the festival. I’m so glad that so many people came out to ‘Experience the Charm of Fincastle.’”
“It was a glorious day!” Lynne Bolton said when asked about the event. “The weather was spectacular and the crowds were a welcome sight to see after three previous years of rain. We value our vendors so much, and are delighted that they had a good day as well.”
Visitors explored the Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture, browsed exhibits and historic artifacts, and visited the Wysong Blacksmith Shop, where demonstrations offered a look at the traditional craft.
The blacksmith demonstrations included the creation of several small forged pieces, giving visitors an opportunity to watch the process and learn more about a craft that has long been part of the region’s history. Members of the Old Dominion Blacksmith Association also participated in the festival, sharing information about the craft and its preservation.
Music was performed at multiple locations throughout town, including performances by local students and bands. Children’s activities, a petting zoo, food vendors, a book sale and other attractions gave families plenty of opportunities to explore Fincastle.
The Heritage Quilt Show at the historic Baptist Church was another highlight of the festival. About 350 visitors attended the show and voted on their favorite quilts.
The American Flag quilt made by Debby Sowers was selected as the winner of the Patriotic Award, while a Baltimore Album quilt made by Kathleen Walker received the Traditional Award.
The festival also featured a Quilts of Valor presentation honoring two veterans. Ray McCaleb, U.S. Army, and Billy Simmons, U.S. Navy, were presented with quilts during the ceremony.
Art also had a prominent place in this year’s festival. An exhibit featured artwork by Botetourt County students, while another display highlighted artwork by the great-grandchildren of the late Peggy Davis.
The student art show honored Davis, whose longtime involvement with Historic Fincastle and commitment to the arts and community were highlighted as part of the festival.
Throughout the day, visitors moved among Fincastle’s historic buildings and public spaces, taking in the exhibits, demonstrations, music and other activities.
The festival brought together local artists, musicians, craftspeople, organizations and families while showcasing the history and traditions that continue to define the community.
