‘Feel the spirit’ at Josiah’s GrahamFest

By WAYNE QUESENBERRY
Media General News Service
Published: August 27, 2008

“Come Feel the Spirit” is the theme of Josiah’s GrahamFest USA for 2008. Whether it’s the spirit of the mountains, the spirit of the music or the spirit of the “haunted” mansion, this year’s two-day event promises enchanting entertainment.
Josiah’s GrahamFest USA is set for Sunday, Aug. 31, and Monday, Sept. 1, on the grounds of the historic Major Graham Mansion on Major Graham’s Road in the eastern end of Wythe County. Gates open at 2 p.m. both days with events continuing until 10:30 p.m.

“We have gone to two days this year,” noted Mary Lin Brewer, director of the festival. “We would like to do three days next year. It will always on Labor Day weekend.”

Early bird tickets are on sale at the Wytheville Museum Store and the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce office in the municipal building. They are $25 per person for one day and $40 per person for both days.

Tickets will be on sale at the site both days of the festival. They will cost $30 per person per day or $50 per person for both days.

The Ghost Walk Tour costs an extra $10. Members of the Virginia Paranormal Society will have an exhibit and talk about their findings at the mansion.

Opening ceremonies are planned for Sunday and Monday at 3 p.m. They will feature Bert Mitchell of Roanoke playing the bagpipes.

The Fort Chiswell High School Pioneer Marching Band will play an original song, “Banner Yet Wave,” written by its director Frank Pugh and local musician Jerry Stone. The Wythe County JROTC Color Guard also will participate.
Josiah & His Mountain Rock Music Show headlines Sunday’s entertainment. Josiah Weaver, who created the event last year, has invited some of the best musicians in the region to perform with him on the Major Graham Stage, the largest of the three stages.

Adam McPeak, a 13-year-old mandolin player from Max Meadows, will take part as will Wayne Henderson, Steve Barr and Jeff Little. Josiah’s Little Angels also will attend.

A huge light show, flame dancers and five on-stage screens will add to the festivities. “The Dearly Departed” (last year it was Elvis) will make a musical appearance, too.

“The Major Graham Stage is completely outfitted this year,” Brewer pointed out. “It has curtains and a $2 million sound system. It’s like something out of Branson, Mo.”

Confederate Railroad is guest performer for Monday night’s show. The group is a country rock band with several major hits.

Josiah’s GrahamfestUSA features continuous music on all three stages both days. Among those slated to perform are Grasstowne, No Speed Limit, the Johnny Cash Man in Black Show, Big Daddy Love, the Hytone Hepcats, Leslie Brooks & Thunder, the VW Boys, Whitetop Mountain Band, April Taylor, Melissa Bowman, Frank Emerson, the Appalachian Hoedowners, Common Ground, the Harris Brothers, the Extraordinaires, Anderson-Strickland Duo, AJ Sapp & Friends, Fire in the Kitchen and Samra’s Expressions.

Also new to the festival this year are two beer and wine gardens. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased onsite.

“We had a lot of requests last year,” Brewer stated, “so we decided to make beer and wine available this year.”

A variety of food and soft drinks will be available for purchase from 12 vendors. Pizza, barbecue, waffle cones, roasted corn on the cob will be featured.

Seven merchandise vendors will sell their wares ranging from jewelry to crafts. The Mansion Store and the Country Store will be open, too.

A children’s area will be dedicated to providing fun for all ages. There will be a magic show, a DJ, karaoke, stilt walkers and a playground.

Security again will be provided by off-duty officers of the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office. Weaver bears all expenses.
Members of the Max Meadows Volunteer Fire Department and the Lead Mines Volunteer Rescue Squad will help with parking. They’re asking for a $2 donation for the service.

Wayne Quesenberry can be reached at 228-6611 or .