Since 1976, Grayson Highlands State Park has taken the last full weekend is September to celebrate the heritage and culture of the area at the annual Grayson Highlands' Fall Harvest  Festival, and the heritage of this area is amazing.

The park boasts of the some of the highest mountain peaks in Virginia, which in turn has helped develop many practices that are known in the region. Growing up in the area, now Grayson Highlands State Park, in the early 1900’s required being resourceful.

Grocery stores were not just around the corner so the people who lived in the area grew or raised much of their food. But it was a place and time when neighbor helped neighbor. Communities would gather together to make and preserve foods to last throughout the winters.

Food had to be preserved to last through the harsh winter

Community volunteers bring these practices to life, during the Annual Fall Festival, by demonstrating how to prepare and selling the final products such as apple butter and molasses. Both of these things require hours of time and attention to complete.

Often the harvest became a community event

When you have a group of people together for hours of work, kids tend to get bored. Video games or television were not an option. Running and playing outside were the answer for most during the day. At night when the work was slowing down and the adults could relax as well, music and dance were often the entertainment of choice. Bluegrass and old time music were the most common styles of music and they were accompanied by the flatfoot style of dancing.

Music and dance were considered a night of entertainment (image source: Martin Seelig)

Things that we may consider home style crafts today, were considered necessities during the early 1900’s. Quilts are used for decoration today, they were for staying warm on a cold night. The patterns were full of details and meaning, but most times the quilts were still used for a practical reason as well.

Quilts can be both beautiful and warm

While you're here, you may as well take advantage of the scenery, since the views at the park are simply breathtaking. The views can be seen throughout the park. While from some spots in the park, the naked eye can see for miles and nearly 360 degrees, there are other spots that be enjoyed with just a short easy walk with spectacular views of their own.

The views are breathtaking

The wild pony sale, sponsored by the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association, will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information about this festival, please email us here or call (276) 579-7092. For general park information click here.