The 36th Annual Historic Appomattox Railroad Festival 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008 12:54 PM
After the sun burned off the fog a couple hours ago, we were left with a gorgeous fall morning in Appomattox. If these mild-temperatures and clear skies hold out, it should be about perfect for Railroad Festival this weekend. I’m most excited about all the great music lined up for the Railroad Festival this year. In fact, since I’ve been in Appomattox (2000), I’ve never seen so much quality music scheduled for Railroad Festival.
The downside? There’s so much going on that music lovers like myself will have to pick and choose.
Best Bets for Saturday
Whatever you pick on Saturday, you probably can’t go wrong. Silver Creek will be performing in Courtland Field between 12-5, and Glen Shelton will be performing on the Main Street Stage downtown, also between 12-5.
I’m looking forward to catching several folk-bluegrass bands on the Good Ol’ Days Folk Stage in Abbitt Park. Things kick off at 12:00 with Worm Patterson and All Problems Solved and are followed by Byron Massie at 1:00, Broda at 2:00, White Vinegar at 3:00, and Jump the Tracks at 4:00. I caught part of White Vinegar’s show at Baine’s recently, and they’re a fine bluegrass outfit.
I wouldn’t overlook the new Fine Arts Stage on the Appomattox Courthouse Grounds neither. Here, there will be an eclectic schedule including classical at 12:00, the High School Jazz Band at 1:00, a jazz quartet at 2:00, a gospel group at 3:00, and a jazz trio - Square Peg - at 4:00. This stage will be a fine addition to Railroad Festival’s musical smorgasbord.
Don’t Forget Friday
Technically speaking, the Railroad Festival doesn’t get started until Saturday morning with the parade…but there are enough activities going on Friday evening/ night for anyone to keep themselves occupied all evening after checking in to the Super 8.
There are two events worth checking out Friday evening/ night, and, since they’re both downtown, it would pretty easy to attend both. The last Friday Cheerz of the season will feature the Southern rock of Southland in Abbitt Park, and kick off at 5:30. Just down the street, Heather Berry and Tony will be performing top-notch bluegrass at Baine’s Books & Coffee beginning at 7:00.
Stay tuned for more updates plus photographs throughout the weekend!
Friday, October 10, 2008 7:37 PM
I moseyed downtown this afternoon just to see what was happening on the eve of Railroad Festival and snap a few pictures. By 5:00 or so, a few street vendors were setting up, but the busiest folks were the food venders who were cleaning, unloading trucks, and stocking supplies in the J. Jamerson Memorial Library parking lot. You probably have to check your hotdog bun supply more than once if you’re planning to feed 50,000 people or so.
…Speaking of the library. On my way to Abbitt Park, I attempted to return the Velvet Underground CD I’d checked out last week … but the book deposit was taped up tight with a sign promising that it would re-open on Monday. Probably a good idea.
Friday Evening
Around 5:30 Southland got things rocking in Abbitt Park, playing a high-energy set that included John Cougar’s “Hurt’s So Good” and Free’s “All Right Now.” The evening sun reflected off the guitars on stage, creating a striking backdrop, and by the end of the first set, the crowd began vacating the picnic tables for the dance area. Only the mosquitoes pulled me out of the moment.
Around 7:00 I decide to head home for a few minutes to refuel and then head back out to catch part of Heather Berry and Tony’s set at Baine’s. Since I’m only a few blocks from downtown, I can still hear the sounds of Southland drifting in the window. It’s getting cooler, though, so I’ll grab a jacket and shut the windows before I go.
Publisher’s note: Enjoy Ronnie’s first photos of the RR Festival, with more to come tomorrow!
I thought the 2008 Railroad festival was a joke! My main problem with this event was the fact that the Lynchburg News and Advance reported that there would be model trains there and there were none much to my 3 year old’s disappointment! Then I found out from someone else, they took their grandson last year expecting the same thing! Wish I had known before I drove all the way out there and burned all that gas! You would think an event called “Railroad Festival” would have more exhibits pertaining to trains or railroads????
Hello J - I’ve been receiving several emails on the festival’s disappointing features. Stay tuned, as I may run a piece on the “other side” of this picture. Glad you let us know about your dissatisfaction, and I’m sorry your son was disappointed (as well as your pocketbook!).