Published: September 11, 2009 04:35 pm      

Festivals and more — Community events offer fun for all

Area residents looking for something to do this weekend have plenty of options. A number of fall festivals and related activities are underway in the region, including the 30th annual Bluefield, Va. Autumn Jamboree.

The popular fall festival has been held at the Graham Recreation Park in recent years. However, town residents have repeatedly asked the Bluefield, Va. Town Council to move the Autumn Jamboree back to the downtown area.

Council — responding to the requests of citizens — is doing just that. For the first time in many years, the Autumn Jamboree is returning to downtown Bluefield, Va., today.

The majority of the festival activities today will be held in the area of the Jack Asbury Square. Shuttle service will be provided to the downtown from the old Kroger at the Gateway Shopping Center, as well as from Graham High School and Graham Middle School. The Jamboree begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 9:30 p.m. with fireworks.

Ride for the Red, a three day-tribute to fallen heroes in Afghanistan and Iraq, also continues today with a ride through the “Park of Fallen Heroes” at Lotito Park in Bluefield. Activities will also be ongoing at the Mercer Mall from noon to 6 p.m. as part of the event.

The sixth annual Culturefest World Music and Arts Festival also continues today at the Appalachian South Folklife Center at Pipestem. The celebration includes music, workshops, food, camping and more. The lineup of performers for this year’s Culturefest include Nat Reese, who was recently inducted into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, and many others.

The annual Rich Creek Fall Festival is also on tap today from 10 a.m. to midnight. A full slate of activities are planned in the Giles County town, including an all-you-can eat pizza buffet, a dance performance, various musical performances throughout the day, an auction, a dog show, a street dance, a car show, a spaghetti dinner and more.

The 14th annual homecoming and fall festival also continues today in the city of War in McDowell County. The annual homecoming parade gets underway today at 11 a.m. It will be the last for Big Creek High School, which is closing next fall.

While summer may be waning, there is no shortage of activities for residents and visitors this weekend. We encourage those across the region to support these community festivals and events.

Fall may be near, but there is still plenty of fun to be had across the two Virginias.