Mark your calendars to attend the Virginia Lewis & Clark Legacy Trail’s fundraising event after the Fincastle Festival from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Santillane’s Pavilion in Fincastle. See interesting exhibits of Lewis & Clark-connected historic sites in Botetourt County and the region, and examples of various signs to be installed. There will be food, beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages, music, and a brief talk by Betsy Merritt, Deputy General Counsel for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The board of directors of the Virginia Lewis & Clark Legacy Trail thanks Bank of Botetourt for being the major underwriter in this region for the event, and as a trail partner, for supporting the Virginia Lewis & Clark Legacy Trail (VLCLT) and its signage project; and to all individuals who have made donations to help offset the costs of the fundraiser, and to Santillane owners, John and Angela Sengson, who are hosting this gathering. These contributions allow the organization to obtain more profit to purchase more interpretive signs, some having price tags of $1,000 to $1,500, plus installation materials and labor.
The VLCLT anticipates that approximately 30 or more signs will be needed between January 2022 and the end of June 2024 at verified Lewis & Clark historic sites in communities along its trail routes. Other signs will also be available to designate those structures that were in existence during the time periods that Lewis & Clark traveled in the area, together or independently, but which do not have a documented direct connection to one or both explorers. Current verified historic sites in Botetourt include the Botetourt County Court House, the Botetourt Museum for its permanent exhibit of Lewis & Clark, and historic Santillane. Examples of non-verified sites or locations that could be eligible for signage in the future are Looney’s Ferry, The Big Spring, Walnut Grove, and the Hancock House.
The reservation fee is $50 per person or $100 per couple. Donors of $500 or more receive two complimentary reservations. To make a reservation, download the reservation form by hitting the “Signage Event” button on the first page of the trail’s website, www.valewisandclarklegacytrail.org. Return the completed form with check to: Jim Johnston, Treasurer, VLCLT, 1340 Hidden View Road, Roanoke, 24015 by September 8. Tax-deductible donations can also be mailed to the same address.
Event guests will have designated parking on Santillane grounds and transport to and from the pavilion will be available. Guests are encouraged to wear masks to and throughout the evening except when eating or drinking.
For questions, contact margaretcrosson@msn.com or 540-354-9698. If not answered, leave a message and a return call will be made as soon as possible.
