BUCKINGHAM-On Saturday, May 14, the Buckingham Lions Club will continue its almost 40-year tradition of hosting Buckingham County Day. The family-oriented festival will be held at the park-like area adjacent Buckingham Primary School on High School Road, just off Route 60. Admission and parking are free.

In observance of Buckingham's 250th Anniversary, the theme for this year's event is Celebrating 250 Years. “We are honored to be working with the 250th Anniversary Committee to use Buckingham County Day to promote and celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Frank Knott, president of the Lions Club.

Festivities begin with a parade at 10 a.m. Parade entries will line-up at Buckingham County Middle School, and proceed west on High School Road to Fanny White Road. This year's parade marshal will be Peter Francisco, Buckingham's real-life hero. Francisco will be portrayed by Travis Bowman, an actor and author who is a sixth generation descendant of this famous Revolutionary War soldier. After the parade, Bowman will be at the Historic Buckingham booth with copies of his books and DVDs.

“Traditionally, Buckingham County Day is a day we honor those who serve this county as volunteers with our fire departments and rescue squad,” offered Knott. “It is a day we celebrate this county and its people. And, this year we get to celebrate the county's 250th birthday.”

According to Judy Grigg, vendor and exhibit chair, there has been an overwhelming response with over 75 spaces reserved. Artisans and crafters will be on hand with lace and linens, jewelry and scarves, handcrafted wooden toys and decor, and handmade blankets and purses. Grigg added that members of the Buckingham-Dillwyn Garden Club would be selling locally grown plants and shrubs. And, with gold prices soaring, don't forget to check out the panning demonstrations by Central Virginia Gold Prospectors.

The Virginia State Police and the Buckingham Sheriff's Office will have educational and informational displays, as will numerous area service agencies with information on their respective missions and goals.

Personnel from University of Virginia's Interventional Radiology will be providing peripheral vascular screenings. Moreover, staff from Martha Jefferson Hospital will be offering blood sugar and blood pressure screenings; and representatives from Centra Southside Community Hospital and Central Virginia Community Health Center will also be on-hand with health-related information.

As they have in the past, Bob Toney and the Tom Mix Rangers will provide affordable horse and pony rides for kids. And, Maysville Baptist Church has graciously agreed to be back again this year with games and activities for children. Awesome Party Supplies and Event Rentals will offer bounces, a rock wall, the orbitron, and mechanical bull riding.

A new activity for youth this year is Buckingham Idol, a talent competition for ages 14 to 21. Contestants should bring their own music and register at the Venture Crew Tent. The Venture Crew, a coed scouting program, under the umbrella of the Boy Scouts of America, is sponsoring this activity and will begin the contest at 12:30, with winners announced at 3 p.m.

Live music will include Country Cut-Ups from 10 until 12 noon, followed by Central Virginia Blue until 1:15. HIX will take the stage at 1:30 p.m. The area in front of the makeshift stage offers room and shade for lawn chairs and blankets.

Food vendors will provide a great variety of food and beverages. Moreover, several non-profit organizations will be conducting bake sales at their booths.

“Not only is Buckingham County Day the major fundraiser for the Lions Club but other organizations use the day to raise awareness and funds for their service to this community,” explained Knott. “Our main emphasis as Lions is helping the visually impaired. The funds we raise from this event enable us to provide eye exams and glasses to those who meet the criteria.” He added, “And, each year we share proceeds from BC Day with the county's volunteer fire departments and rescue squad. We also support other worthy causes benefiting this community and its residents.”

Knott shared, “We extend our sincere gratitude to Buckingham County Day sponsors whose ads are featured in the 250th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet. Their generosity allows us to continue our service to this community throughout the year.”

He explained that the booklet is a collaborative effort with the 250th Anniversary Committee and features excerpts from the 200th Anniversary program held on May 12, 1961, along with updated information, articles, and photographs.

On Saturday, May 14, the Lions are hosting a huge 250th birthday party for Buckingham-and the day promises to be a great celebration for the entire family.