Grayson Highlands Fall Festival set for Sept. 28-29

Grayson Highlands State Park’s The 48th Annual Grayson Highlands Fall Festival will be held Saturday, September 28 and Sunday, September 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The $10 park fee is waived on Saturday September 28th for National Public Lands Day but there is a $5 per entrance fee for the festival on Saturday. On Sunday there will be a $10 parking fee for Grayson Highlands State Park and an additional $5 entrance fee for the festival Sunday. This event is sponsored by the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad, Fire Department, and ladies auxiliary.

Our music is a little different this year. We still have bluegrass and gospel but there has been a little country and rock and roll added in.

Live bluegrass and old-time music are featured on Saturday. Music starts at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This year’s lineup includes: 10 a.m. — Knee Deep, 11 a.m. The Brushy Mountain Boys, 12 p.m. — The Water Peppers, 1 p.m. — Ellie & Roald Kilby, 2 p.m. — Left Over Biscuits, 3 p.m. — Middle Fork Old Time Band.

Gospel music is featured on Sunday. It also starts at 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This year’s lineup: 10 a.m. — Recorded Music, 11 a.m. Recorded Music — 12 p.m. — The Water Peppers, 1 p.m. — Mountain Gospel Airs, 2 p.m. — Tom Blevins & Middle Fork Gospel, 3 p.m. Doc McCray.

The fire department and rescue squad provide the concessions which include BBQ chicken, hot dogs, and BBQ sandwiches. There is a variety of arts and crafts exhibits. You can watch molasses being made on Saturday. They will sell for $15.00 per quart. Apple butter will be made both days and will sell for $12.00 per quart. Fresh apple cider is also available by donation.

Ponies from the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association will be auctioned at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 28. The wild ponies graze in the park and adjoining U. S. Forest Service’s Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the park’s picnic areas, visitor center and hiking and biking trails. Park campgrounds will be full; reservations must be made in advance by calling 1-800-933-PARK (7275) during regular business hours, or online at www.dcr.state.va.us. For information about other accommodations or other information about the area go to www.graysoncountyva.com and click on visitor info. Pets are welcome but they must always be on a leash. And you must clean up after them. For more information, please call 276-233-8237, email ghfallfestival@yahoo.com or visit www.ghfallfestival.50megs.com. For questions about the music call Frank Kruesi at 276-768-7118.