The Chautauqua Festival, a week long celebration of life in the Blue Ridge, is underway in Wytheville. Sponsored by the Wythe Arts Council, the main festival is taking place in Elizabeth Brown Memorial Park off 4th Street in downtown Wytheville. Chock full of fun, food, and entertainment for the whole family, the festival began June 16 and runs thru this Saturday, June 26.

Each day’s events vary. So far there has been a chili cookoff, a flower show, booths for gardeners, classes for both adults and kids, and, one I found particularly useful, an outreach health program for military veterans.

Much of the daytime program Tuesday was devoted to activities for and by the Mt. Rogers Community Services Board, our local mental health and rehabilitation facility. The band “Common Ground” led the festivities which also included a crafts table featuring work by community members.

Some of the activities for the kids have been particularly fun and will continue throughout the week. When you go, look for Brenda Boone, the clown princess. Her motto: Humor, Don’t Leave Home Without It. Today’s activities include a magic show and storytelling.

Compared to most festivals I’ve been to, the food here is surprisingly good. Many of the vendors are local, and some of our local restaurants are participating. Look for Rose Gonzalez and her Tex-Mex booth. At 3 for $5, her tacos are the best value there.

Rose Gonzalez, the Taco Queen

Night time entertainment so far has included nationally known country rockers, “The Kentucky Headhunters,” and Michael Angelo Batio, one of the 100 best metal guitarists of all time. Tonight (Wed.), the musical program begins at 5:30pm and features 4 bluegrass bands. Hope to see you there!

If it’s Memorial Day, then it’s flea market time in Hillsville. Twice each year, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, the entire town of Hillsville turns into a huge flea market. Upwards of 500,000 people are expected for this year’s unofficial kick-off to summer.

Vendors from the professional circuit, collectors, and local crafters join together for four days to offer fun, food, and bargains galore. Despite predictions of huge crowds, on Saturday there seemed to be almost as many vendors as there were patrons.

There were Brahma bull rides and blooming onions.

There were kids and ladies in hats. And ladies with guns.

It’s a carnival, it’s a sideshow, it’s a bit of Americana. If you hurry, you still have time to make one of the best free shows around.

Woodcarver Tom Brannock

Some of Tom's carvings including the "whimadilly"

Troubador John Allen from Mt. Holly, NC

Forgive me for the picture. Part of the wreath was in shadow, and part of it was in sun. However, my lousy picture should not take away from Anne’s excellent wreath. She collected the cones from this tree in the front yard, (said tree soon to be swathed in red chili pepper lights)

attached them to some grapevines twisted into a circle, and tied the ribbon in a nice bow. The first decoration of the Christmas season is up. Since I plan to prune the pinetrees this week, I predict a house full of pine boughs soon. We’re thinking of getting a balled tree this year to be planted after the holidays.

We had a great time Thanksgiving, though the Little Prince and Heir Apparent decided he didn’t want his picture taken, so every time the camera was pointed at him, he did this:

No, seriously……everytime.