FALL IS UPON US ONCE AGAIN and with it comes the promise of cooler weather, pumpkin spice and falling leaves. It’s also time to turn your clocks back an hour and give yourself more time to appreciate all the fall festivals and autumn fun that there is to be had in co-op country.
25TH ANNUAL CULPEPER HARVEST DAYS FARM TOUR | Sept. 17-18
Fun for all ages, the tour showcases both traditional and unique farms in the beautiful Blue Ridge foothills that make up Culpeper County. The event provides a wonderful educational experience and includes an array of hands-on activities and demonstrations. The 15 carefully selected farms and ag-related businesses on the tour reflect Culpeper’s agricultural heritage and the millions of dollars in production, wages and salaries generated by the agricultural industry in the county and state. Visit culpeperfarmtour.com for more details.
DINWIDDIE COUNTY FAIR | Sept. 23-25
Welcome back! After a two-year hiatus, The Dinwiddie County Fair is returning Sept. 23-25 at Virginia Motorsports Park, 8018 Boydton Plank Rd., Petersburg. Fun for the whole family, for only $10/carload. Ride wristband presale begins August 26th and runs through September 16th. Only $20. colerides.com/tickets. For more information, go to discoverdinwiddie.com.
60TH ANNUAL VIRGINIA PEANUT FESTIVAL | Sept. 23-24
Emporia and Greensville County are stoked on peanuts — the 60th annual Virginia Peanut Festival, that is.
All your favorites will be on hand: a car show, arts and crafts, educational exhibits, a parade, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, a craft fair and all that delicious festival food we enjoy.
emporiagreensvillechamber.com/virginia-peanut-festival for more info.
SOUTH BOSTON HARVEST FESTIVAL | Sept. 24
The 31st annual South Boston Harvest Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 in historic downtown South Boston. The Harvest Festival is a free community special event sponsored by many great businesses, industries and community agencies. Attend for a fun-filled day of shopping, live music, children’s activities, great entertainment and delicious food. Throughout the day, continuous live music and entertainment will be found on two stages. For more information, go to downtownsobo.com.
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT. 75TH ANNIVERSARY | Oct. 1
Join the Spotsylvania Volunteer Fire Department as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary with a parade and family festival from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1 in the historic Spotsylvania Courthouse District. There will be a touch-a-truck event, DJ, children’s activities, food trucks, craft vendors and more. Go to visitspotsy.com for more info.
HANDS & HARVEST FESTIVAL | Oct. 7-9
Highland County, Va., welcomes you to their rural mountain community. Experience farms and maple sugar camps on the Harvest Trail. Taste freshly-cooked apple butter and freshly pressed cider. Shop with craft vendors, enjoy clogging and square dancing, listen to the Original Rhondels, climb the local fire tower and more. Visit highlandcounty.org.
26TH ANNUAL FAUQUIER FARM TOUR | Oct. 8
This year, an award-winning farm tour will be held again in Fauquier County. Visit any or all the farms on the tour and enjoy animal exhibits, interpretive tours, demonstrations, farm machinery, cows, calves and hayrides. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit fauquierag.com for the latest information.
VISIT WINCHESTER
An abundance of fall festivals mark the vibrant harvest season in beautiful historic Winchester. Richard’s Fruit Market and Marker-Miller Orchards each have full-day peach and apple festivals in September and October, and you can get your fill of pumpkins at the West Oaks Farm Market Fall Harvest Festival on Oct. 8. For additional event info, go to visitwinchesterva.gov.
RASSAWEK AUTUMN FESTIVAL | Oct. 22 & 23
The Rassawek Autumn Festival showcases trade demonstrations that include new and old equipment, blacksmithing, welding, masonry and carpentry. Guest can also enjoy various children’s activities, pig races, bluegrass music, market and food vendors, truck pull, and beer and wine. Visit rassawek.com to save $5 by getting your tickets in advance!
SANDY RIVER OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
A family-friendly resort in a beautiful outdoor setting in Rice, Va. You’re invited to come and embrace a unique getaway experience like no other. Visit sandyriveroutdooradventures.com.
VISIT MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Whatever busy highway life has you traveling, take the time to stop in Mecklenburg County. Discover charming towns, splash around in Virginia’s largest lake, enjoy a craft brew, a gourmet meal, take a stroll through historic destinations and wineries, or dance the night away at an outdoor summer concert. You’ll find more of what matters here. Go to visitmeckva.com for more info.
