Mt Rogers, Virginia Grayson Highlands State Park Fall Festival
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September 23 through 27.
Thursday through Monday for those that want to hang out longer.
Since 1976 the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department and Grayson Highlands State Park have entertained tens of thousands of people each year with their live exhibits of Appalachian culture, along with live music, lots of craft booths and food.
We began participating in the festival by manning a hammock demonstration area on Saturdays, 10 years ago, 2011.
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Although we did miss one year due to not getting the group site reserved in time.
In return the state park has allowed us to camp for free in the group campground.
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This Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department's main fund raiser of the year.
Last year, 2020, the festival was canceled due to covid.
Unless something changes, this year is a GO!
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About The Grayson Highlands Fall Festival
The 2021 Festival will be held the Saturday September 25 and Sunday September 26 from 10am until 5pm both days
Due to the cancellation of the 2020 festival donations are still being accepted. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the fire/rescue. If you would like to make a donation it can be sent to: Rugby Vol. Rire rescue - 53 Rugby Road, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 or at their GoFundMe page on Facebook.
Since 1976 the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, Inc. and Grayson Highlands State Park have entertained tens of thousands of people each year with their live exhibits of Appalachian culture. Step back into a simple age when horses and mules ground cane into juice to be boiled into sorghum or molasses; when apple cider was the soft drink of the time; when fresh apples were cooked in a copper kettle over an open fire all day long to render apple butter; when Saturday night was reserved for fiddling; and making music with the neighbors. Such was the lifestyle of the early Appalachian pioneers.
All Proceeds go to the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad and Fire Department, Inc. for emergency equipment and training.
Donations are appreciated and may be sent to:
Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Dept, Inc
53 Rugby Rd.
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
HELP US TO HELP YOU
Contact Us by Mail or Phone:
Fall Festival at Grayson Highlands
P.O. Box 12
Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363
http://www.ghfallfestival.50megs.com/
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We all ways have a raffle on Saturday eve.
The money from the raffle mostly has been donated to Friends Of Grayson Highlands State Park but this year it will go directly to the Rugby Volunteer Rescue Squad & Fire Dept to help towards last years loss.
Also a small portion will be used to pay for the load of firewood we have delivered to the group site.
Some in our group buy lots of raffle tickets partly to add to the amount the raffle raises for the cause.
Some just make donations.
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Please register on the Google spreadsheet. It helps greatly with planning. The sheet is setup so you can change your answers at any time if your plans change or if you need to add or delete information.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...R6c/edit#gid=0
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If there is someone at the Park Entrance gate, you will just need to tell them that you are with the hammock group.
There is no cost for your stay but they will give you a tag to hang from your mirror.
In the pat our group has caused parking issues for others in the camp ground.
We encourage when ever possible to car pool.
Parking available at edge of group camp site, by the Camp Store and across the road..
Overflow parking requires driving to the park visitor center and shuttle back to the camp area.
Don't forget to bring your camp chairs!
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What goes on when.
Thurs, Sept 23... a few will arrive early to set up the Big Blue Tarp, SOB (Son Of blue, 20' x 30') and picnic tables under it.
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Some may go out for day hikes or overnight backpacking over the weekend.
Others just enjoy casual times around camp with friends.
Fri... more will show up. We do our own meals unless otherwise noted.
Often times someone will bring something to share with others but there is no guarantee on that.
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Saturday... See Spread Sheet for Group Meal planning.
Saturday Group Breakfast
The Appalachian Trail runs through the park if you want to plan a backpacking trip or day hike but hopefully some will hang around to help clean up after breakfast first ;~)
Lots of other trails too.
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The Fall Festival is always fun and there will be a will ponies auction at 2:00!
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Festival is from 10am until 5pm, Sat & Sun.
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We only do the Hammock demo on Sat.
Group Supper and Raffle, probably starting around 5pm.
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Lots of fun during the raffle!
Sunday
A few leave early but most stick around to eat breakfast, talk and clean up around the group camp.
Usually, some will go to the Corner Market & Restaurant (about a 15 minute ride from camp) to eat breakfast/brunch/lunch.
From there some will head home while others will stay Sunday night and leave Monday.
Note: We always leave the group campsite cleaner than we find it.
Those that stay until the end always do a final policing of the area to collect anything missed.
Please help us by picking up during the camp time and as you leave.
Thank you!
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Q&A
Campground Quiet Time: 10 PM to 7 AM.
Is there a place to buy stuff?
Yes. There is a Camp Store right by the group site.
They have Ice Cream!
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Dogs should be kept on leash at all times.
Is there water for camping?
There are two fresh water spigots at the edge of the group site.
Are there picnic tables in the camping area?
Yes. 8 tables. We line them in two rows under the 20' x 30' tarp.
What about bathrooms? I don’t poop good in the woods.
Group camping has flush toilets for both men and women.
Where can I get a showers?
There is a shower house a short walk or drive from the group camp in the main camp ground.
Will there be campfires?
That's always the plan.
One year it was so dry that they issued a "Fire Ban" but we still had a great time!
We plan to have a fire in the large fire pit in the center of camp. We will look into having local firewood delivered to avoid bringing wood from areas that might be infested with the Emerald Ash Borer.
Are there grills?
There are at least two permanent charcoal grills. You will need to bring charcoal if you want to use it.
What happens if it rains?
We will have a 20' x 30' tarp strung high, under which we will assemble 6 or 8 picnic tables in two lines for food prep, eating & socializing.
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Don't forget to bring your camp chairs!
Wild ponies! Did we mention there are wild ponies in this park?!
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Hammock Forum Contacts for Hang: Private message Slowhike, Hickery, or Rockdawg69.
General State Park Information
Address: 829 Grayson Highland Ln., Mouth of Wilson, VA, 24363
GPS: Latitude: 36.628322 Longitude: -81.496889
Park Phone: 276-579-7092
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-p...al_information
Emergency: Dial 911
We do allow “ground dwellers” but you might get converted!!!
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