In the fall of 1968, the then-fledgling Historic Fincastle Inc. (HFI) was looking for ways to raise money to help save and refurbish some of the aging and historic buildings in the Botetourt County seat.
That was the first year HFI members put on the Fincastle Festival. That first festival and those in the decades that followed allowed the organization to raise thousands of dollars that the group poured into historic restoration.
A few years ago, HFI members decided to give up the festival, but not the notion of having one again at some point.
That some point arose with the 50th anniversary of the first one, and it will be relived again this Saturday, Sept. 22— rain or shine— in the middle of the historic town.
East Main Street will be closed between US 220 and Church Street and Roanoke Street will be closed between Murray and Back Streets— the central portion of the town that includes the Courthouse Square where many of the activities planned for the event will be centered.
The 50th Anniversary Fincastle Festival runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and includes an art show, a student art show, live music (from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) and crafters.
Revolutionary era interpreters will help visitors understand that period, and they will fire an artillery cannon at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Historic presentations will begin in the Botetourt County Courthouse at 10 a.m., and to mark the occasion, Fincastle Post Office will be set up with a special postal cancellation (see related article).
There will be a souvenirs, T-shirts, memorabilia exhibit; the Star City Corvette Club will have cars on display and there will be voting for a People’s Choice Award.
Kids can get in on the fun with traditional games in the parking lot next to the courthouse, and Attic Productions will have a photo booth and face painting.
Food will be available with 3-B BBQ, kettle corn, ice cream and bake sales.
