BUCKINGHAM — The Buckingham County Chamber of Commerce and Historic Buckingham Incorporated are adding a large stone to Buckingham County’s strong foundation—filling a void that citizens have noticed.

The hollowness of a celebration commemorating the county and its traditions, heritage, and its people is being filled by the two groups with an event called May Fest.

“It’s a celebration of Buckingham County,” notes Martha Pennington Louis, president of Historic Buckingham.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Historic Village adjacent to the Robert E. Lee Wayside on Lee Wayside Road off of Route 60.

Louis says the event is being held in lieu of Buckingham County Day, which was sponsored and organized for over 30 years by the Buckingham Lion’s Club.

“Historic Buckingham and the Buckingham Chamber (of Commerce) decided to pick up the slack. We were both contacted (by) people who missed Buckingham County Day.”

The event is being organized by the leadership of the chamber and Historic Buckingham, Louis notes.

“Plus David Wise of Davidwise.com Insurance LLC,” she added, citing that the business is a gold sponsor of the event.

“It’s a county wide event…The food will feature hotdogs, hamburgers, Buckingham Berkshire barbeque, drinks, snacks, Karuna’s Kitchen from Yogaville is coming,” explained the long-time community supporter.

And that’s not all. There will be popcorn by Buckingham Active Seniors, cotton candy, and even a maypole.

“They can make Mother’s Day cards. There will be a craft table to make Mother’s Day gift items,” Louis cited, alluding to the holiday that follows the Saturday event.

Face painting will be offered, along with fingerprinting by the Buckingham Masonic Lodge #242, along with vision checks by the Buckingham County Lion’s Club. “Please bring your old glasses to donate,” Louis said.

The Buckingham-Dillwyn Garden Club will be selling plants, while handmade soap, jewelry, canes, birdhouses, and other crafters will be present.

“At 12 o’clock, there will be a flag retirement by the Buckingham County High School JROTC,” the organizer said.

Yoga demonstrations and balloons will be available to the public as well.

Arvonia resident and entertainer Barry Snoddy will be performing from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., while Bowl’d Sojer, a Civil War-era band, will perform at 1 p.m.

Buggy rides, and the presence of a bateau and Kyanite Mining will compliment the rich traditions set to be showcased.

Other vendors and groups represented will include the Buckingham Boy Scout Pack #6535, Holliday Lake, the Buckingham Extension Office, and Academic Year in the U.S.A. (AYUSA), a state-department approved exchange student program.

“We encourage folks to bring a lawn chair and a blanket,” Louis added, citing that pets must be restrained to a leash if brought to the event.

While free and open to the public, donations will be accepted for building projects for Historic Buckingham.

For more information on the event, contact Martha Louis at 434-969-4355, or email marthalouis60@gmail.com.