Rail festival rolls into Appomattox

By Dave Thompson

Published: October 9, 2008

The historic charm of the railroad will once again be on display in downtown Appomattox this weekend.

-What: Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival
-When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
-Where: Historic downtown Appomattox
-Admission: Free, except for Saturday evening street dance, $5 for adults and $3 for children

The Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival, now rolling into its 36th year, will start Saturday morning.

Tens of thousands descend on the town every fall to get a taste of parades, live music, dancing and, of course, trains.

The event will include 75-100 arts and crafts vendors and about 25 food vendors, said Dean Thompson, the festival’s chairman.

Model trains, carnival rides and historic exhibits, and one of the largest fireworks displays in Central Virginia, round out the celebration.

The festival began in 1972 as a way to celebrate the donation of the Norfolk & Western Railway depot to the town.

Saturday kicks off with a parade through town beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The event will feature live music of differing styles from four different stages, beginning at noon each day.

On the Main Street stage Saturday, country/gospel singer Glen Shelton is scheduled to perform until 5 p.m.

From the Courtland Field stage, Silver Creek is slated to perform all five hours Saturday.

Various other groups will perform on those stages, along with the Abbitt Park and Courthouse Grounds stages.

After-hours Saturday night, adults and children can pay to participate in a street dance on Main Street.

Saturday’s festivities will conclude with fireworks at 8:30 p.m., launched from Cole’s Field.

Sunday will feature a fireman’s competition between local fire departments, hosted by the Appomattox Volunteer Fire Department.

The competition features different challenges, including skill competitions and a water fight.