Welcome to Abingdon, Virginia

     2008 marks the 230th Anniversary of the Act of the General Assembly which created the Town of Abingdon. The 230th Celebrations will take place the weekend of October 3-5, 2008. Some of the events tentatively planned include a civic dance, an exhibition of historic characters in our history, concert and a civic dinner, inviting the Governor Tim Kaine and other dignitaries from around the Commonwealth and region.

     Saturday, October 4th there will be all day activities at the new Abingdon Market Pavilion. The Farmers Market from 7:00am-12:00pm, an Historical Reenactment at 10:00am, Chili Cook-off beginning at 1:00pm, and ending the evening with a concert by the Amazing Rhythm Aces from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Sunday, October 5th the Town of Abingdon will hold a Sunday morning Civic Church Service at the Abingdon United Methodist Church and a Civic Dinner at the Martha Washington Inn. The evening will begin at 6:00pm with a cocktail reception in the East Parlor followed by Dinner in the Grand Ballroom at 7:00pm.

     aDuring the 230th Celebration, Abingdon will be hosting forty visitors from our Twin Town, Abingdon, England as well as their Twinning Partners throughout the continent of Europe and the World. If you would be interested in being a host family for these guests, please email Garret Jacksonor Tenille Montgomery for more information.

     The following will also celebrate anniversary celebrations this year: VA Creeper Trail, 20th; VA Highlands Festival, 60th; Barter Theatre, 75th; William King Regional Arts Center, 200th commemoration of William Kings death and Abingdon Fire Department, 200th. VA Creeper Trail will celebrate its 20th year of being established. Please visit www.vacreepertrail.org for more information on upcoming events. The Virginia Highlands Festival celebrates 60 years of arts, crafts, antiques, history and music. See why tourists voted it one of the top 100 events in North America July 26 to August 10, 2008. Visit www.vahighlandsfestival.org for more information on the festival and events. The State Theatre of Virginia is celebrating 75 years; Barter Theatre has a year full of great performances planned. On June 7, 2008, a Barter Bash is planned to celebrate the 75th anniversary. Come out and enjoy the food, games, and music on the Stonewall Square (Barter Green). Also visit www.bartertheatre.com for more information. William King Regional Arts Center will commemorate the 200th anniversary of William Kings death this year will great exhibits and events. Visit www.wkrac.org for a list of upcoming exhibits and events. The Abingdon Fire Department will celebrate 200 years in 2008 with a public celebration that will be announced in the near future. Additional information will be available on the Town of Abingdons website, www.abingdon.com. Visit the AFD online at www.abingdonfire.org for more information.