The Craig County Historical Society’s Board of Directors met on July 27 to consider options for organizing the annual Craig County Fall Festival. After much thought, consideration and discussion, the Board of Directors made the decision to cancel this year’s Craig County Fall Festival which was originally scheduled for October 10.
“We looked at the logistics that would be necessary to keep our vendors, visitors, workers, and the community safe,” Board Chairman
D.R. Looney, Jr. said. “We felt like this was the best decision for our beloved community.”
The Festival began in 1983 after the Society purchased the Old Brick Hotel at 141 Court Street, which had stood empty for several years and was becoming dilapidated. Money raised at that festival helped to pay the loan at F&M Bank.
In the 1990s, restoration had progressed so that the hotel was open for tours. The Genealogy Library on the second floor became a popular place for study of family history. In 2012, the Library moved to a ground level, climate-controlled facility behind the hotel. Three log cabins have been relocated to Court Street and restored. All are furnished with Craig County items. Funds generated at the past 37 Fall Festivals have made this preservation of county history possible.
The first Craig County Fall Festival was also called “Craig County Days” and was a two-day event which included a longest-beard contest and a street dance on Saturday evening. Later years included Sunday concerts with local church choirs and groups such as the Hollanders, helicopter rides, and children’s bouncy-houses.
The 2019 festival featured over 90 vendors, 50 of whom were individuals and groups from inside the county. Approximately 55 vehicles were part of the Marshall Reynolds Antique Car Show. A petting zoo and professional face painter provided entertainment for children and live music filled the streets throughout the day. The Holstein Log Cabin was open to the public for the first time. Visitors enjoyed breakfast and lunch in the Old Brick Hotel and self-guided tours of the 19th-century landmark.
The success of the Fall Festival for many years is due to the hard work and generosity of countless volunteers, businesses and vendors. The Society is grateful to each and every one of them.
“We are all looking ahead to what will be the 38th Craig County Fall Festival on Saturday, October 9, 2021. We ask the public to mark that date on their calendars,” Looney said.
- Submitted by Craig County Historical Society Board of Directors
