I hope everyone is already excited about this year’s 50th Anniversary of the Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival. Again this year, we are engaging the local businesses and community by sponsoring a “Railroad” themed competition where a business could create a sculpture or display in advance of the festival, to be judged and prizes award, hoping to ignite the traditional Railroad Festival enthusiasm. While viewing the displays or sculpture, we encourage individuals to patronize the local business and let them know how much they are appreciated!
The “official” opening ceremony of this year’s festival will be held on Friday, October 7th at 7:00 pm in Courtland Festival Park. Carnival rides and games, food, adult beverages and music will be playing on stage in Courtland Festival Park beginning at 6:00 pm. Lots of fun for everyone!
In keeping with the festival’s tradition, the parade, vendors, great music line up on two stages, over 140 vendors, displays, exhibits and food concessions will be located throughout downtown Appomattox from 9:00 – 4:30 pm on Saturday. Hopefully, everyone will stay around for another night of music, carnival rides, games, food and adult beverages in Courtland Festival Park. The annual Fireworks display can be seen from various areas in the Town or at the Appomattox County High School parking lot around 9:00 pm.
Don’t forget to visit the Historical Society’s exhibits, activities for the kids, live animals, hay bale maze, inflatables, old-fashioned stew and more located on the old courthouse lawn throughout the day on Saturday.
Sunday begins at 9:00 am with a new event, a Praise & Worship Service in Courtland Festival Park led by New Beginnings, Stanley Baker and one of our local Deputies, Rev. Andre Austin. This is an added feature for those who have to arrive early to the festival for setup as well as another opportunity for the community to participate. At noon, all of the fun-filled entertainment, music and vendors will continue throughout the day. Don’t forget to visit the annual Car Show in the parking lot near the courthouse.
As you can tell, we are planning a fun-filled weekend for the community and those who travel from afar to attend the Historic Railroad Festival in Appomattox. Fun for all as we have more planned activities and surprises that you won’t want to miss!
On behalf of the Festival committee, we extend our sincerest appreciation to the community for its continued support and attendance at the festival! We, also, encourage new ideas for next year’s festival as well as anyone who wishes to be a part of this wonderful event, to become a member of our planning team. The community is the success of the festival!
See you at the festival!
Susan Adams, President
