How up to date are you on the unique and important history of Fincastle and Botetourt County?
Many opportunities will be available at the Fincastle Festival to learn more about the area’s history and to examine actual historic records signed by Virginia leaders such as Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, Israel Christian, Madison, Monroe, William Preston and others. This and many other fun and educational offerings will be available along with the artists and crafters on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. during the 51st annual Fincastle Festival.
History-related events begin with a return of the Revolutionary War interpreters and their encampment at Wysong Park. Tours of the Early Cabin and Wysong Blacksmith shop, recalling essential activities of early Fincastle, as well as other historic parts of Fincastle, will be available. Also included will be an opportunity to examine hundreds of historic documents and records dating from 1770 to present, revealing aspects of the lives of some who lived in the area and of others who communicated with them when Fincastle was young, vibrant, and a crossroads for settlers traveling south and west seeking a brighter future.
Music will be available at several locations and local food vendors throughout the day during the main events of the festival, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Following the festival will be a special event, “Fired Up” from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the local fire station on US 220. It will feature music, BBQ chicken, beer, and nonalcoholic beverages along with activities and entertainment for young people. This event is organized by the Fincastle Fire Department with support from the Town of Fincastle and HFI. Music will be provided by 7 Mile Ford, compliments of Big Lick Entertainment. There is a $5 attendance fee for “Fired Up”.
HFI leadership, after last year’s successful Festival, decided to take the event even further, and this year, the area for the event has been expanded to include areas of the town from Roanoke Street near the Post Office north all the way to Back Street, Main St. from US 220 to the old Baptist Church building and Academy Street, including the Fincastle Library, the Family Life Center, and more.
Sponsors of the festival include the major sponsor, The Bank of Fincastle, and other sponsors: APX, MW Dunbar Construction, Freedom First Credit Union, Heritage Family Market, LUMOS, MKB Realtors, Oakey’s, Snap-On, and Woodsdale Events. “Fired Up” is sponsored by Bank of Botetourt, with other sponsors: Cardinal Rubber, Bryant Orchards, Prestige Lawn and Landscape, and Re/Max.
Events are scheduled from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. with the list of participants growing, and include numerous craft vendors, artists, local food and beverages, memorabilia, a quilt show, a book sale, car show, and a “Touch-A-Truck” area where young people can touch and actually climb into a variety of large trucks. A bluegrass band will perform on the main stage in the courthouse parking lot along with others including Fincastle’s own Cheryl Lunsford, and singer/guitarist Eric Burton. These last two are expected to also perform at the “On the Porch” venue at the Fincastle Library along with other local performers.
