On October 8, 2016 in Buena Vista, VA, the culture of the heart of Virginia is celebrated and demonstrated at a festival called “Mountain Day”. The small town closes its main street, Magnolia Street, between 20th and 22nd Streets, to allow mountain crafters, musicians, and locally produced foods to be offered to everyone who attends. The festivities run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and admission is free.
Buena Vista is located on the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range and is next to the Maury River. The history, heritage, and culture of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains are the focus of Mountain Day. Mountain music and entertainment will be offered continuously – all day long. Hear mountain fiddling and good blue grass music. See how some of the traditional string instruments are made. Buy your own Appalachian dulcimer from one of the mountain crafters who may be demonstrating their work.
Many hand-crafted items will be offered for sale. One of the local specialty crafts is white oak basket weaving. The techniques of splitting the white oak, seasoning the wood, weaving it, and finishing the baskets will be one of the crafts displayed and sold. This traditional technique has been handed down through generations.
The history of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley will be told in the form of displays and old-time skill demonstrations. See antique farm machinery on display and learn about the importance of the rich, fertile land in the valley. The fertile soil produced abundant crops, and the land also had a deposit of iron ore that resulted in growth of the town. The history includes the speedy development of the town, including the magnificent Buena Vista Hotel (circa 1890) that now serves as Main Hall for Southern Virginia University.
Come our to Mountain Day for crafts, music, children’s activities, food, and fun!
