With summer almost behind us and autumn right around the corner, it’s time to make plans to attend the Come Home to Westmoreland State Park Festival, a celebration of Virginia’s culture and crafts from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 6, 2003. 

     From crab races to bluegrass music, Westmoreland State Park, on SR-3 just outside of Montross beckons us with a delightful range of activities and entertainment during this one day event. Listen to tales by the Westmoreland Weavers of the Word, and learn about the history of the local Native American Tribes from Chief Anne Richardson of the Rappahannock Tribe. There will also be Native American drumming and interpretive dance presented by Four River Drum. Listen to the songs of the Shanty Singers of the Menhaden Boats. Visit the re-enactors from the Knibbs Battery Virginia Light Artillery Army at their encampment. Tap your feet or sing along with the Plain Truth Gospel Band, Stuart Whitford, and Jerry France and the Cherry Hill Pickers. Join in the excitement of crab races on the beach. Or, if you feel really adventuresome, attend Gary Williamson’s program on snakes.

     Want to get an early start on Christmas shopping? Items handmade by Virginia craftspeople, including quilts, stained glass, wood, ceramics, embroidery, jewelry, stepping stones and more, will be available for sale. Food vendors include; N.C. Style BBQ and barbecue chicken, coleslaw and all the fixings. For dessert, try short cakes or a snow cone! Food will also be provided by the park concession throughout the day.

     Not yet ready to say good-bye to summer? Westmoreland State Park, known for its sweeping bluffs, breathtaking views of the Potomac, and quaint, comfortable cabins, will have watercraft rentals available and plans to keep the pool open during the festival. 

     The event is co-sponsored by the Westmoreland County Tourism Council. Entry fee (per vehicle charge ranging from $10 for six people to $15.00 for seven and more, $30.00 for buses) based on number of occupants includes festival activities, parking, a ticket for the Getaway Package drawing valued at more than $400, plus discounts at Stratford Hall Plantation, Westmoreland Berry Farm, and other local attractions.

     Location: Westmoreland State Park, Rt. 3, Montross, 40 miles east of Fredericksburg, 65 miles east of Richmond; 90 miles from Washington, DC; September 6, 2003, 9 a.m.-6 p.m..For festival info call the park at 804-493-8821, or visit website at www.dcr.state.va.us.