Diane Givens
Contributing writer
Thousands of attendees enjoying last year’s Fall Festival.
The 35th Annual Craig County Fall Festival this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will feature new activities for children and some traditional favorites for everyone.
A petting zoo and pony rides will be set up in the grass field below the Old Brick Hotel. Free to all, the attraction is a family business of Craig native Coy Shupe and will bring a variety of wild and domestic animals to entertain and educate. Nearby, the Society is pleased to bring Jean Lewis of Libs Lab Entertainment who will offer face painting and twisted balloons during the afternoon.
Demonstrators will include blacksmith Bryan Fritts, potter Jennifer Mulligan and weaver Carol Looney, all on the third floor of the Hotel.
A staple of the Festival for 35 years has been the antique Car Show, promoted by civic leader Marshal Reynolds. This year many tractors, motorcycles and special interest vehicles and car clubs have been invited. Drivers are encouraged to check in at the tent on Middle Street by 8:30 a.m. Pre-registration is not necessary.
About one hundred vendors are expected, beginning with the Public Library at the top of Main Street and continuing both directions on Court Street. Crafts, clothes, jewelry and lots of food will combine with several non-profit organizations and businesses.
Society raffle tickets will be for sale at the Information Booth. First prize is a pair of amethyst earrings donated by Gingers Jewelry. Second prize is a $300 gift-card from Grand Home Furnishings and third prize is a $100 gas card from IGA Express. Many other local organizations are also offering raffle drawings. Prizes will be announced from the stage beginning at 4:30 p.m. The stage this year set up at the corner of Main and Court Streets is courtesy of Zimmerman’s Equipment Co.
The Craig County Historical Society is grateful to the community for their continued support of this event, which over the years has helped the society to maintain the Old Brick Hotel, where breakfast and lunch will be served Saturday.
AEP, Adams Construction, Boxley, Shelor Motor Mile, Duncan Ford, Craig-Botetourt, Food Country, Hart, United Dairy and Tidy Services are this year’s sponsors.
Entertainment schedule: 9:00 Opening Ceremonies, 9:30 New Castle School of Dance, 10:30 Blue Connection, 11:45 Eastern Divide, 1:00 David Francisco, 2:15 Cadillac Ranch, 3:30 Phat Boyz Band 4:30 Drawings.