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While the temperature in recent weeks may not have shown it, we are already in the middle of Spring. And as the calendar turns to May, it’ll soon be time to celebrate that fact with Kenbridge’s Spring Festival. The annual event returns to town this Saturday, May 4, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The celebration takes place at the Kenbridge Recreation Center, located at 511 E. 5th Avenue and serves as a way to help the facility. 

“This event is a fundraiser for the Kenbridge Recreation Center,” said Suzie Austin. She works as Kenbridge’s event coordinator and town administrative assistant. This marks her first Spring Festival and just the third event she’s hosted in the year working as part of the Kenbridge staff. 

“The money raised will go to purchase an HVAC system for the gym,” Austin added. “We are hoping to use – and currently use – the facility for bingo, kids’ events and sports, like basketball, and other events for community use. We hope to offer cornhole later down the road. There’s been a lot of work done to the facility to fix it up, including paint.” 

This marks the first of two planned fundraising events for the Recreation Center, Austin added, saying Kenbride will hold a ‘July Jubilee’ in a few months. But beyond fundraising, she said the Spring Festival is also just a good way to connect with people. 

“The Kenbridge Spring Festival has existed for multiple years and provides a great opportunity for people of the area to connect with one another,” Austin said. “It helps our local people, and we have a really good time.” 

A MUCH LARGER SCALE FOR JULY 

The July Jubilee is a much larger scale fundraising event, with space for many more vendors than can fit inside of a building. Many of the vendors present at this weekend’s event will also be at the July Jubilee. That event will have everything from food trucks, to bounce houses, and kids playing soccer. 

As for this weekend’s event, however, there will be numerous local vendors present with their various offerings. Everything from baked goods, candles, Scentsy wax melts, Mary Kay cosmetics, Pampered Chef pieces, birdhouses, homemade wreaths, and everything in between. Vendors will be charged a $25 fee to set up their tables, while the community will get free access to the event. No tickets are required. 

Sweet Redds BBQ and Yetta’s Soul Food trucks will be available, offering various foods for event goers to enjoy. 

This year, there is to be a special guest in attendance. Caption Call will be present to provide a no cost service to those with hearing loss – something the community will undoubtedly appreciate and need. 

“We are always looking for new things,” Austin said. “Anyone who would like to come sell and help our public by selling, please contact me. You’re welcome to join us.” 

Austin will be available Saturday morning at 8 a.m. to allow vendors in to set up. Austin will also be available for those who need help carrying things into the building. 

When asked what Austin’s favorite part of the events are, she says, “My favorite part of the events is seeing everyone again. There’s a lot of camaraderie. It’s a happy, good-feeling atmosphere. Everyone is smiling and enjoying themselves. I think, in today’s world, it’s important to have a few hours of fun.” 

Austin would also like to mention that this weekend is also the opening weekend for the town farmer’s market, which will be located directly next door to the recreation center. 

For those who are interested in becoming a vendor for this weekend’s event, or with any questions pertaining to the event itself, contact Suzie Austin at 434- 676-2452, or e-mail her at suzieaustin@kenbridgeva.net.