Olden Days Festival June 2009 | Smithfield & Isle of Wight Convention and Visitor Bureau

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Olden Days Festival

Friday & Saturday, June 28 - 29, 2013

Begun in the 1980s, Olden Days has been one of the most popular community events to take place annually in Smithfield.

Special Thanks to our generous 2013 Olden Days Sponsors:

Smithfield Foods
C & R Services
Daily Press
Mike Doggett
Isle of Wight County Park & Recreation
Smithfield Station Waterfront Restaurant, Inn & Marina
The Arts Center @ 319
The Bank of Southside Virginia
Town of Smithfield
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8545
S & B Tents
W. F. Magann Corporation

Hampton Inn & Suites - Smithfield

Gary Terwilliger

Smithfield & Isle of Wight Tourism is pleased to announce that Smithfield Olden Days will return June 28 & 29 with several new offerings as well as all of our old favorites.

This popular festival has something for everyone! Wear your hoop skirt, put on your bobby socks and saddle shoes or just come as you are to join us in Smithfield for some old fashioned fun for the entire family! Whether your passion is…antique and classic cars, arts and crafts, produce and fresh farm products or Bluegrass music, festival food, great music or racing rafts-Smithfield Olden Days is sure to “float your boat”!

The event kicks off on Friday night with a concert by local favorite, Anthony Snape in front of the Bank of Southside Virginia (115 Main St.) at 5:30 p.m. and from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m. the Rhondels will perform at the Smithfield Times Gazebo. A "Street Rods" car show will be held along Main Street that evening as well.

This year the popular Ghost Walk will also be held on Friday night from 8:30 until 10:00 p.m. Advance tickets are highly recommended and are available at the Visitor Center (319 Main Street). The Ghost Walk will begin at the Isle of Wight County Museum.

Brand new this year will be a FREE concert by “SlapNation” - the band formerly known as “Kenny Hunt’s Slapwater Band!” SlapNation will play from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Smithfield Times Gazebo. After a great 42 year run the band has changed its name, but it’s still the same band that is in constant demand and that never fails to entertain and amaze their fans. SlapNation features nine of the best musicians around with an incredible four-piece rhythm section and a professional three-piece horn section that’s paired with two amazing vocalists. This concert is sure to be a highlight of the festival!

Of course the “Kids, Bike & Pet Parade” officially kicks off the festivities at 10:00 a.m. Saturday’s activities will also include: antique cars, military vehicles and the Hampton Roads Studebaker Club along Main Street, RS Cloggers, a dunk tank, crafters, artisans, the Smithfield Farmers Market, pony rides, games, face painting, photos with a Super Hero, and activities for the kids, as well as lots of great festival food.

And everyone’s favorite, the popular 7th Annual Pagan River Raft Race returns! This year our raft race is participating in a new “Triple Crown” Contest. The other contests include the Harborfest Lazy-Lizzy-Anything-That-Floats-But-A-Boat Race and the Chuckatuck Creek Raft Race (July 4). Participate in all three for your chance to win over $1,000! Watch this much-contested challenge from the shore of the beautiful Pagan River at Smithfield Station as home-made rafts race to the finish…if they don’t sink first!

Be sure to take a break sometime during the day to stop by the Visitor Center - located in the heart of downtown Smithfield at 319 Main Street. The Center is also home to the Arts Center @ 319, so in addition to visitor information you can peruse the gallery and gift shop. Public restrooms, water and a bicycle stand are also available at the Visitor Center. Take advantage of all the shopping and dining opportunities in charming downtown Smithfield and be sure to ask for your “Passport to Savings” card for discounts at our downtown merchants.

If you’re planning an overnight stay for Olden Days, whether you're looking for an elegant B&B, or beautiful waterfront setting, our docents can help you find accommodations to make you say, “Ahhhh”. The downtown area also offers a variety of dining choices from Smithfield Food’s flagship “Taste of Smithfield” deli and gourmet grocer, a Gourmet Bakery, International Tea Shop and old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlor to a historic restaurant and tavern and waterfront eating establishment.

Come early, stay late and don’t miss a single moment of the grills, thrills, spills and chills (don’t forget the ghost walk!) of this small town tradition!

Highlights from Olden Days 2012

Special thanks to Tom Tokarz for his wonderful photographs!