Martinsville Bulletin, Inc.
P. O. Box 3711
204 Broad Street
Martinsville, Virginia 24115
276-638-8801
Toll Free: 800-234-6575
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Thursday, August 6, 2009
By DEBBIE HALL - Bulletin Staff Writer
Peaches and politicians will be in the spotlight Saturday when the three-day long Virginia State Peach Festival culminates in Stuart.
Gubernatorial candidates Republican Bob McDonnell and Democrat Creigh Deeds are expected to attend the event. McDonnell is slated to attend around 4 p.m., GOP officials said. Deeds’ timing had not been determined Wednesday.
Former governor and Patrick County native Gerald Baliles also will attend the traditional evening music celebration held at Rotary Field in Stuart, according to Tom Bishop, executive director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce.
Gates open at 3 p.m., with music and other activities beginning at 5 p.m., Bishop said.
Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the gate, with children 12 and under admitted for $5, Bishop said.
There also is an advance ticket package for families, with two adults and up to four youngsters admitted for $30, Bishop said.
Entertainment begins with the Downtown Boys performing at 5 p.m., Upland Express at 6:30 p.m. and Sunset Drive at 8 p.m., Bishop said.
Traditionally, the Peach Festival’s musical programs have been held on Fridays.
The day was changed after many residents said they “just couldn’t get here on Friday” due to scheduling conflicts, Bishop said.
“We thought it over carefully and decided we may get better attendance if we held it on Saturday,” he said.
New this year are more activities/attractions for youngsters, Bishop said. Mr. Pokeeto the Clown, face-painting, animals from Infinity Acres including Alpacas, a horse drawn wagon and other attractions will be featured.
The event also will include crafters; exhibits, including Border Springs Farm demonstrating border collies; and food vendors.
Southern Traditions will serve a traditional barbecue dinner for $7 per plate. Hot dogs, hamburgers and other concessions also will be available.
Cooking instructor Paul Farrar will have samples of homemade ice cream, Bishop said, and Mayberry Beverage will offer samples of peach cider.
The festival will be held rain or shine, and coolers are not allowed.
Several other Peach Festival events also are planned, starting at 6 tonight.
The Singing Directors Gospel Land Quartet and Three Not So Wise Men will perform at the Patrick Springs Fire House on Virginia 680 in Patrick Springs. Admission is free to the event to be hosted by the JEB Stuart Volunteer Rescue Squad and emceed by Kelly Ratcliff. Concessions will be available.
The Virginia State Peach Pageant will be held at 6 p.m. Friday in the Historic Star Theatre, 318 Patrick Ave., Stuart. Contestants will compete for the titles of Tiny Miss Peach, Little Miss Peach, Junior Miss Peach and Miss Peach. Lisa Martin will emcee and admission will be $3 at the door.
The 5th Annual Folk Fair will be held 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Meadows of Dan, on U.S. 58 Business. “A Simpler Place In Time” is the theme of the event that will feature mountain music, heritage demonstrations, Belgian horse and wagon rides, a craft show and concessions.
Music will be provided by the Country Boys and Aunt Orlean Puckett. |
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