Buchanan’s rescheduled Mountain Magic In Fall Bluegrass, Antiques & Crafts Festival will take place this Saturday, Oct. 8.
An important part of the town’s revitalization efforts, Mountain Magic In Fall promotes civic pride, introduces thousands of visitors to the town’s resources, provides a venue for budding entrepreneurs, promotes spillover shopping and dining, and has even resulted in Faithful Country Creations opening a brick and mortar storefront in the downtown.
This past year several businesses have opened in the downtown including Tammie’s Place, Stable Hill Studio & Gallery, the Buchanan Mini Mall, Appalachian Soul, Bujinkan Dojo and Regina Lograsso Photography with future projects including the adaptive reuse of the old factory on Main Street to 22 apartments and a brewery.
More than 100 vendor spaces have been laid out for the arrival of local artisans and entrepreneurs who will be set up on the Town Park. Community Development Planner Harry Gleason noted that “despite having to reschedule, the majority of vendors are still available to be part of Mountain Magic and we are still accepting new vendors up to the last minute.”
A treasure-trove of handmade candles, knitted and crocheted items, wood crafts, furniture, glass, pottery, birdhouses, antiques, art, pumpkins, apples, art, and more provide a perfect opportunity for shoppers to start early Christmas shopping for unique gifts. Members of the Buchanan Special Events Committee will be set up selling Festival Short-Sleeve Tee Shirts, Long-Sleeve Tee Shirts and Hoodies featuring a drawing of the Buchanan Swinging Bridge by Harry Gleason.
Since the creation of Mountain Magic In Fall, local musicians have been introducing new generations of listeners to the uniquely American form of music – bluegrass. Buchanan volunteer Carson Scaggs has worked behind the scenes to line up a great group of performers including Haymaker Town Express, Barry & the Mud Flaps, Virginia Carolina Band and Rebecca Bryant. Carson noted, “Haymaker Town Express has performed a the Buchanan Festival every year since 1995.”
The scent of festival favorite foods will fill the air, including carnival burgers, fries, funnel cakes, barbeque, Philly cheese steaks and sausages.
Volunteers Randall and Pee Wee Kingery have traveled throughout the region this year inviting auto show enthusiasts to this year’s Festival and will work with additional volunteers to line up a collection of antique, classic cars and tractors on Lowe Street.
A journey through time, Buchanan’s historic buildings date from the early 1800s through the 1950s. Visitors can view a collection of historic photographs on display in several storefront windows along Main Street, including photos from the mid to late 1800s with descriptions. Another great feature that can be enjoyed along Main Street is the whimsical Scarecrow Trail featuring scarecrows placed by merchants and homeowners. Visitors will also want to take the opportunity to stroll across the Swinging Bridge which is featured on this year’s festival shirts, take selfies at the LOVEworks sign fabricated by the students of BTEC, take advantage of sidewalk sales being offered by some merchants as well as a book sale and yard sale by Friends of the Buchanan Library.
Gleason noted, “Mountain Magic In Fall has grown to be one of Buchanan’s biggest events. The Events Calendar is not possible without the volunteers who spend months preparing and planning to make the event successful. However, our success is also largely dependent upon the continuous support of our sponsors. Bank of Botetourt has been a Corporate Gold Sponsor since the festival started in 1995. We are pleased to add First Bank to our list of sponsors as a Silver Sponsor. These sponsors offer financial support, as well as providing assistance setting up, event marketing, and promotional supplies. The town is very appreciative of their support.”
~ The Fincastle Herald
