Centerfest in Bedford, Virginia

As September is creeping up on us, to us Bedfordians, that means that Centerfest is quickly approaching. This means it's time to work hard on our crafts and food, and get in our money for a booth on the side of one of Bedford's downtown streets. If you outsiders have no idea what I am talking about, take a walk down a crowded small town downtown street with me.

Centerfest is one of the two times a year that you can see people you haven't seen in years (the other being the Bedford Christmas Parade.) Everyone from Bedford and surrounding areas, flock to the streets of downtown Bedford, to enjoy our annual fall festival, which takes place on the last weekend of every September.

Centerfest kicks off on that Friday night, with a couple of local bands (and beer,) for an entry fee that's usually around $5.00. I usually don't go to this, as the music isn't my taste. It's usually country music or really bad rock music, played by some middle-aged men. This is what I hear anyway.

The main event is on that Saturday. The day kicks off at around 9:00 A.M. There is not entry fee for the main event, but bring plenty of money for food, kiddie rides, and homemade goods! There is much to see and do on the streets of Bedford.

There are two stages on which local bands play sets throughout the day. One is located in front of the municipal building, and the other, in front of the Bedford Social Club. These bands tend not to be too bad. My favorite has been a band of seventeen year olds to twentysomethings, called November's Requiem.

Secondly, there are local, handmade crafts and food. These include things like wood instruments, jewelry, purses, knitted items, homemade jams and jellies, produce. There are also CDs and DVDs of local musicians.

Then, there's the food. There is traditional fair food, such as corn dogs, kettle corn, cotton candy, popcorn, and funnel cakes, as well as specialty food, such as Italian, Greek, and Mexican. There is also regular food, like cheese steaks, hotdogs, and hamburgers, and some of the local restaurants participate, too. Once you sample even a little bit that there is to offer, you won't want to eat for a week.

Another aspect of Centerfest, is that most of the downtown shops will open up and have an "open house" feel. Some of these places, like my favorite store, The Well, will have special Centerfest sales. It's a good day to stop in and see what local stores have to offer.

For the kids, there are moon bounces, petting zoos and rides, and make-your-own sand arts, just to name a few. Also, if your child is persistant, or you just can't pass up the opportunity to show off and spend oddles of bucks for a lame prize, there are a few carnival games, at which to try your hand.

There are a few things to try to dodge when you're at Centerfest. First off, there are usually, at least, a couple dozen churches with boothes, trying to convert you, and make you switch to their church, and homeschool your kid. You need to be stern with these people, because if not, they will try to charm their way into you making that decision.

Also, there are a lot of contest entries, to win "awesome prizes." Be very careful to read before you sign anything. If you don't, you could end up on ten different spam calling lists. As if there aren't already enough telemarketers... The same is true with the religious crowd. Don't let them have your information. They will not give up. The main churches are: Mormon, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Bible Truth Tabernacle.

Just as bad, are the Republican candidate canvassers. I made sure I did not get bombarded with McCain garbage last year, by wearing my Obama t-shirt, button, and earrings. However, this year, I am going to have to just dodge. Having a democratic gubernatorial sticker won't due. The Republicans will push their way through crowds, just to make sure you're wearing their candidate's sticker.

If you're able to avoid the things I've warned you against, you will have a great time. Come join us this year! The main event is on September 26th!