Several new exhibits and demonstrations are planned for the 16^th Annual Halifax County Heritage and Antique Machinery Festival May 3^rd and 4^th at the Halifax County Fairgrounds. 

                Broom squires, Randy and Sara Lyn King of Greenville, SC will demonstrate the craft of Shaker broom making using a foot operated winder.  In their demonstration layer after layer of boom corn is placed on the handle until the desired size is achieved.  The “Harry Potter” looking unfinished broom is then placed in a large and heavy free-standing vise and squeezed to the desired shape, stitched and trimmed for an even look.  The brooms are made of natural corn fiber with hemp twine on wooden handles secured with broom twine.  Be sure to catch their demonstration and pick up a quality hand-made Shaker broom.

Randy King and is Shaker broom making operation

                Professional blacksmith Dave Innamorato of Wingate, NC will also be on hand demonstrating the intricate techniques of blacksmithing.  Innamorato will be at the Heritage Festival Friday and Saturday creating many unique items which will be available for purchase. 

                Donald Glass is planning a model car show and seeking entries for three classes of models.  The first class is box stock for street or strip cars, trucks and bikes.  The second category is for custom street or strip models which is an open class for any modifications and add on detailing for cars, trucks or bikes.  The final class is for asphalt and dirt track race cars or trucks.   Interested model car collectors are encouraged to enter their models. 

On the left is professional backsmith Dave Innamorato who will be at this year's festival.  On the right is one of the many model cars that Donald Glass plans on showing.

                The Halifax County Heritage and Antique Machinery Festival is scheduled the first weekend in May at the Halifax County Fairgrounds.  Festival times are Friday, May 3rd from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm and Saturday, May 4^th from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

                The Festival offers two full days of wholesome entertainment for families with delicious festival foods prepared by Ruritan Club member, Lions Club members and Halifax County fire department members.   

                A Tractor Pull is planned for Saturday at 11 am followed by a Quarter Scale Tractor Pull at 1 pm.  Tractor Games, presented by Robert and Sue Gregory of Java, VA are also planned for both days.  Due to insurance regulations there will be no Mud Bog this year.

                The Midway section of the Fairgrounds will be filled with exhibits and demonstrations such as: hit and miss engines, saw mill demonstrations, blacksmithing, cider making, shingle making, rope making, hay baling and more.  A Classic Cars Cruz- In, sponsored by the Tinker Car Club of South Boston, will be a featured attraction as well as an impressive display of vintage stock cars and Model A Fords. 

Many vendors and craft dealers will be set-up in the Exhibit Hall offering jewelry, glassware, antiques, and more.  Other vendors will be set-up outside offering many unique items.  Other interesting exhibits will also be on display in the Exhibit Hall.  

The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service is sponsoring a mobile dairy classroom presentation Friday and will also display a quail egg hatchery in the Exhibit Hall.  The Halifax County 4-H Club will also be on hand with interesting activities for children. 

Many old-fashioned, kid-friendly games and activities are planned for the children.  From pedal pull tractor races, saw-dust treasure hunts, rides on the little barrel train, rope making, to the ever-popular corn box.  Be sure to take the children to the Horse Arena for free horse-back rides on Saturday between 12 noon and 2 pm. 

 Kermit Wright has a great line up of local blue grass and gospel music planned.   Groups and individual artists include The Forever Young Band, Sarah and Russell Cook, Nellie Zamora Jones and young pianist, Cameron Crews. 

Race fans can take advantage of a special discount being offered by the South Boston Speedway.  Fans who present their Heritage Festival wristband will receive a $5.00 discount on general admission tickets to the K&N Touring Series race Saturday evening, May 4^th.  Fans will be required to surrender their Heritage Festival wristband at the ticket booth to receive the discount.  This promotion does not apply to advance race ticket sales.

                Admission to the Heritage Festival is $7.00 per person per day for adults and children 12 years old and older.  Children under 12 will be admitted free.  Special two-day tickets will be available for purchase Friday, May 3rd for $10.00 each.  Anyone purchasing a two-day ticket will be admitted free of charge Saturday, May 4^th.  For more information and schedules, visit www.halifaxcountyheritagefestival.org.