Clinch River Festival
A Weekend of Fun in the Mountains
Every year the town of St. Paul, Virginia comes alive with the flavors of the region during Clinch River Days. This year is no exception!
14th Annual Clinch River Days Festival
May 31 - June 2, 2012 with special events to be announced
Friends,This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the 12th annual Clinch River Days Festival in St. Paul. Many thanks to Suzy and Bob Harrison, Lou Wallace, the Kilgore family, Mayor Fletcher, and the wonderful citizens of St. Paul for providing a truly fabulous event that must rank among the best in state. Good food, great fun, best people about sums it up. But really, there was so much to enjoy words are inadequate to capture the experience. Those of you who know me are aware I very rarely take "people pictures". I'd much rather be afield in the hills and hollers capturing images of birds, bugs, and wildflowers. This event is a most notable exception. So, without further ado, following for your consideration are photos of events.
Enjoy,
Richard
The festival began on Thursday evening with a reception at the St. Paul Railroad Gallery where I was the featured artist. My exhibit was dedicated to the memory and efforts of the late Jack Kestner and Charles Kennedy.
Pam and I at the gallery
Tim Kestner, and I
Wine provided by Mountain Rose and Vincent's Vineyards was enjoyed on the back porch
Heart of Southwest Virginia Symphony was wonderful
Unfortunately Friday I wasn't able to attend the festival. However, I did enjoy it on Saturday and it was well worth it.
The morning kicked off downtown with the Clinch River Farmers' Market and Clinch River Cruisers Classic Car Show.
In the afternoon I moseyed on down to the ball fields along the river. Ah! Lots and lots of events and fun...
Best BBQ
A bit of clowning around
Some impromptu fiddlin
Arresting personalities (The Mayberry Deputy)
Foot-tappin with Center Stage Cloggers
Jimmy Webb with some great ole timey tunes
The Mabry Family offered inspirational gospel
Charlie Engle and Megan liven it up
After all that I headed for the shade of the river. And what did I find?
Southern Bells
OMG! The yanks are a'commin... They was routed though...
Day Lilies
A nymph
And the fountain of youth
As evening unfolded, festivities continued
Ivy Road provided captivating high energy entertainment
A dance contest was enjoyed by young and old alike
By the end of the day everyone was dog tired
One last trip past the many vendors as I called it quits for the day
On Sunday I returned late in the day so missed the dog show, but did catch the last two bluegrass acts
East Kentucky Tyme
Blue Grass Circle
The youngest member of BGC
Flat footin
Making friends
In spite of roaring trains and pouring rains BGC played on
A 5.5k race was the final event of the festival.
Undaunted by the weather, the race was on
This young lad found a mud puddle to entertain him while mommy ran the race.
Overall winner
Women's winner, fourth overall
Competitive to the end - women's 2nd place
Giving it all
Trophies
1st place finishers
Race participants
Many thanks to Richard Kretz for this wonderful testimonial and photo essay of the 2010 Clinch River Days Festival. If you wish to contact Mr. Kretz, please contact us and we will get him in touch with you!