Join us for the 2009 Virginia Highlands Festival July 25 - August 9
Just west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians, in a valley formed by the Holston River is Abingdon, a town rich in history and tradition. Daniel Boone once strode through the mountains of the Virginia Highlands. Eleanor Roosevelt's father walked the trails. The Barter Theater became world-famous as the place to trade produce for plays. Abingdon is proud of its history and rich heritage. Strolling down shaded brick sidewalks in the 20-square-block historic district, it's as if one has stepped back in time. Easily imagined are the nights spent here by Daniel Boone, ghostly sounds echoing in The Martha Washington Inn, and the applause of farmers at the Barter Theatre.
The Virginia Highlands Festival began in 1948 and, over the years, has grown and flourished. Today it is one of the top 100 tourist events in North America and one of the top 20 in the Southeast -- offering plenty of entertainment, an enormous antiques market, juried art and photography competitions, and a juried arts and crafts show, as well as nationally-known writers, lecturers, and visual and performing artists.
Come see the Budweiser Clydesdales, sponsored by Walling Distributors of Bristol, from Tuesday, August 4 thru Sunday, August 9th. The Budweiser Clydesdales were first introduced to the public on April 7, 1933, to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. August A. Busch, Jr. presented the hitch as a gift to his father, August Anheuser Busch, Sr., who was guided outside the brewery by the ruse of being told his son had purchased him a new car, but instead was greeted by the horses, pulling a red, white and gold beer wagon. The hitch proceeded to carry the first case of post-Prohibition beer from the St. Louis brewery in a special journey down Pestalozzi Street in St. Louis.
Many more special events are planned for this year's festival. So join us as we celebrate the 61st birthday of the Virginia Highlands Festival.
Come see why Abingdon was named a "Virginia Main Street" destination in 2007 and an "American Dream Town" in 2006 -- and why the Virginia Highlands Festival is a Top 20 "must see" event (National Geographic Traveler, April 2005).
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