Shawn Nowlin – shawn.nowlin@ourvalley.org

STORY ORIGINALLY RAN IN THE 10.12.16 EDITION OF THE NEW CASTLE RECORD:

Here’s a telling sign on whether or not people genuinely support an annual event: how they respond when the event endures less than favorable weather. Despite the grey skies and occasional rain sprinkles on Saturday, October 8, that didn’t prevent hundreds of people from participating in the 34th Annual Craig County Fall Festival. Sponsored by the Craig County Historical Society, proceeds raised will be used for maintenance on the historic Old Brick Hotel among other things.

Often described as an annual event that “features over 100 vendors offering raffles, crafts, food and education exhibits”, this year people drove from North Carolina and Maryland to experience everything the festival has to offer. Tony Bradley, who arrived with his family from North Carolina, said there was no way he was going to miss this event. “From our house, it’s about a three-hour drive,” the Chapel Hill native said. “You just can’t simulate experiences and since my two daughters didn’t make it last year I wanted them to take all of this in.”

Richmond (VA) native Justin Cox said, “I came to the 2011 festival and purchased some real cool items for my house…I keep coming back because I

truly enjoy seeing what types of vendors will show up.”

“My mom and dad are from Craig County but we moved to Maryland when I was in elementary school,” Josh Jackson said. “My father couldn’t make it today but me and my mom are having a great time. The O. Marshall Reynolds Memorial Antique Car Show was pretty cool.”

By all accounts, this year’s Craig County Fall Festival met its usual standards despite the less than favorable weather. Attendees ranged from infants to senior citizens, vendors of many kinds were present and there was an overwhelmingly positive reaction to all the entertainment provided.  Mary Murphy, Chair of the Board of Supervisors, and local resident Rachel Maddox were among the many notable faces in attendance.

Like most of the vendors, Morgan Warwick attracted festival attendees with her engaging personality. “My mom is the superintendent of Craig County schools and she would tell you that I was always into art and making things,” she said. “My hand-painted signs require a lot of painting and a lot of sanding. I also made some antique jewelry holders which normally takes about 45 minutes to an hour.”

The Old Brick Hotel, which showcases local antiques and a grand floor Genealogy Library, was open all day for festival attendees. When it comes to annual events in Craig County, few – if any – compare to the Fall Festival. When it was all said and done, the 2016 Craig County Fall Festival proved to be another success for everyone involved.