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The annual Fincastle Festival will return to the historic town of Fincastle this Saturday, Sept. 26, bringing a full day of arts, crafts, music, food, history and family activities to the community.
Hosted by Historic Fincastle Inc., (HFI) the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the center of town and will be held rain or shine.
Visitors can browse the work of local artists and crafters, enjoy a variety of food vendors and take part in activities spread along Main Street, Roanoke Street and Academy Street. The event is being held as part of the community’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
The Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture will be open with displays highlighting the county’s history, while Revolutionary War interpreters with the Fincastle Company will have an encampment on Roanoke Street. Visitors also will find a small classic car display, fire trucks and emergency vehicles.
Children’s activities will include a petting zoo at Wysong Park featuring ducks, alpacas, donkeys and other animals. Period games and other activities will be available near the museum.
The Wysong Blacksmith Shop also will be operating as a working blacksmith shop, with Patrick Mattingly demonstrating the craft. The shop will also feature information about planned blacksmithing classes.
Live music will be presented at two locations. Students of Mike Lee will perform throughout the day on the front porch of the Chamber of Commerce building beside First Bank on Roanoke Street. Performers are scheduled for 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
The music tent beside Conviction Coffee at the old courthouse square will feature Easy Pickins at 10 a.m., Deepwoods Still at noon and The Henry Downing Band at 2 p.m.
The Heritage Quilt Show will be held at the historic Baptist Church on East Main Street, with a Quilts of Valor presentation scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on the church’s front steps.
A student art show honoring the late Peggy Davis also will be featured during the festival. The show celebrates Davis’ longtime involvement with Historic Fincastle and her commitment to the arts and the community.
The Fincastle Library will hold its annual book sale, while historic documents and other displays will offer visitors additional opportunities to explore the town’s past.
With activities taking place throughout the center of Fincastle, festival organizers encourage visitors to explore the town and experience the various offerings during the day.
Admission to the festival is free.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
