Pam Dudding
Contributing Writer
As life begins again for the United States of America, so does annual events in our county.
The Old Salem Church has announced that it will be having its annual potluck picnic this year on Sunday, August 15, at 1 p.m.
Said Jean Bradley, “This year will we not have a service inside the church, but will have some things outside under the pavilion, so bring a comfortable chair.”
She did note though that the church will be open for anyone wishing to go inside, adding that there is no running water or electricity, but a porta-john is on the church property for use.
Though there are no Sunday or Wednesday services, and the lot is empty most of the time. Two events, however, still happen like clockwork at the Old Salem Church on Route 42 in Craig County that create standing room-only events. This excludes last year due to the COVID-19 regulations.
Bradley and many friends and relatives have worked diligently to keep this wonderful tradition alive.
The church was established in 1883, and the first Christmas Candlelight service was held in December 2001.
Since then, they have only missed Christmas due to bad weather one year and the pandemic of last year.
The little church has two functions annually: a Homecoming picnic in the summer and the Christmas Candlelight service in December.
“We continue this because it seems so many would be disappointed if we didn’t,” Bradley noted.
People attend every year from all corners of Craig County. Some even drive in from other states for the special occasion.
This year’s summer fun Homecoming picnic will be on Sunday, August 15. The entire community is invited, and it is a potluck. “There’s always so much food to choose from,” attendees always say when the event concludes. “But there is always plenty left over too.”
For more information, contact Enola C. Ross at (540)864-6175.
Bring your lawn chair, your favorite dish and enjoy a relaxing and fun afternoon, as Bradley always says, “Everyone is welcome.”